Professional Services
Directorate of People and Culture
University of Bradford
At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last four years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Safeguarding
The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.
Directorate
The People, Culture and Wellbeing Directorate promotes a supportive, inclusive environment. The nursery reflects this by providing high-quality early years care and education. Aligned with the University’s values, it nurtures children’s development and supports families, creating a caring, community-focused space that positively impacts the wider University community.
What you will be doing:
- Lead the planning and delivery of high-quality early years provision in line with the EYFS and nursery values.
- Mentor and support a team of practitioners, including students and volunteers, to ensure best practice.
- Act as a key person, overseeing and contributing to observations, assessments, and planning to support children’s learning and development.
- Maintain strong relationships with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure individual needs are met.
- Oversee daily operations in your area, including safeguarding, health and safety, and administrative responsibilities.
Qualifications/ experience:
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years Qualification (essential)
- GCSE English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent (essential)
- Experience leading a team in an early years setting (essential)
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and inclusive practice (essential)
- Confident in mentoring others and supporting staff development (essential)
- Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, DSL and SENCO training (desirable)
- Strong organisational, communication, and IT skills (essential)
Do not meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description or advert, we encourage you to arrange an informal conversation with the hiring manager. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford
Within the nursery team, males are underrepresented. We therefore welcome applications from males to help create a more balanced and inclusive workforce. This positive action does not disadvantage applicants of other genders.
At the University of Bradford, we recognise and embrace people that work in diverse ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.
In Return we Offer:
- 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
- Family-friendly policies
- Great campus facilities including:
- Unique fitness centre
- Eye clinic
- Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
- Counselling & mental health services
- On site nursery
- Food & drink outlets
- Generous employer contribution pension schemes - Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts
Find more information about the many other benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes and campus nursery.
Additional Information:
If you would like to find out more or are interested in applying, please message, email or call Rochelle Smith on 01274 234866 & R.Higginbotham@bradford.ac.uk, we would love to hear from you.
Applicants can upload a CV and/or a personal statement alongside the formal application. Providing a personal statement is an opportunity to highlight relevant skills and experience. Both documents are welcomed to support your application.