Qualified Nursery Nurse / Early Years Specialist | AP

Are you an experienced Early Years practitioner looking to make a lasting difference outside of a mainstream nursery setting?

An established Alternative Provision in Clitheroe is seeking a resilient, nurturing, and Level 3+ qualified Nursery Nurse to join their early intervention and primary team. This setting supports young learners (EYFS and Key Stage 1) who face barriers to learning within mainstream education, including Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, speech and language delays, and neurodivergent profiles (such as ASC and ADHD).

In this role, you will deliver tailored nurture-based care and foundational learning, creating a trauma-informed environment where children can build trust, self-regulation skills, and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver individualised nurture support and early development interventions for children aged 3-7 within an alternative provision setting.

• Implement sensory breaks, play-based regulation activities, and therapeutic routines to help pupils manage anxiety and emotional dysregulation.

• Work collaboratively with class teachers, Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists (SALT), and SENDCOs to support Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

• Maintain accurate developmental records, observations, and pastoral logs using positive behaviour frameworks.

• Foster trusting relationships with pupils, parents, carers, and external multi-agency support teams.

• Uphold stringent safeguarding standards, adhering strictly to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Essential Qualifications: Minimum full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Childcare / Early Years (e.g., CACHE Level 3, NVQ Level 3 in Children''s Care, Learning and Development, or equivalent). Level 4/5 or Early Years Educator degrees are highly desirable.

• Experience: Proven track record working with EYFS or KS1 learners exhibiting complex needs, developmental trauma, SEMH, or ASC.

• Approach: Calm, empathetic, non-judgmental, and proactive, with strong de-escalation skills.

• Training: Formal de-escalation/positive handling certification (such as Team-Teach or MAPA) is advantageous, though full training will be provided.

• Vetting: Must hold or be willing to obtain an Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service, alongside complete professional referencing covering at least the last two years.

What We Offer

• Competitive permanent salary up to -40,000 per annum.

• Term-time only working schedule, offering strong work-life balance.

• Comprehensive continuous professional development (CPD), including trauma-informed practice and specialist SEND training.

• Small group ratios with high staff-to-pupil support.

• Contributory pension scheme and access to employee wellness assistance.

• Free on-site parking in Clitheroe.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV outlining your relevant early years and SEND/SEMH experience. Suitable applicants will be contacted promptly for an initial interview.