Join the Ladels Family
At Ladels Day Nursery, our staff are at the heart of everything we do. We’re more than just a workplace — we’re a family. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive environment where your ideas are valued, your wellbeing matters, and your career can grow. If you’re passionate about early childhood education and want to make a lasting difference, we’d love to welcome you.
Why Work with Us?
Make a Difference
Every day you’ll play an active role in shaping the future of young children, helping them grow, learn, and thrive.
Supportive Environment
Be part of a warm, collaborative team where your contributions are valued and your wellbeing matters.
Career Growth
We invest in our staff with ongoing training, CPD, and clear progression routes — supporting you to reach your full potential.
Inclusive Culture
Join a nursery that celebrates diversity, values individuality, and fosters a genuine sense of belonging for staff and families alike.
Available Positions
We’re always on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join our team. Whether you’re an experienced early years educator or new to the field, we have roles to match your skills and aspirations. Current openings include:
- Early Years Practitioner
- Room Leader
- Nursery Assistant
- Nursery Chef
- SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
How to Apply
Step 1: Download the Application Form
Click below to download our Staff Job Application Form:
Step 2: Complete the Form
Fill in all sections, including:
- Qualifications and relevant training
- Employment history and any gaps explained
- Supporting statement (why you’d like to work with us)
- Two referees (one must be your most recent employer)
- Emergency contact details
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Email your completed form (and your CV, if you have one) to: info@ladelsdaynursery.co.uk.
Please use the subject line: Application – [Role Title] – [Your Name]
You can also drop off your application at: Highbury Community Centre, Highbury Avenue, Thornton Heath, CR7 8BQ
Phone: 0208-764-4343
Please use the subject line: Application – [Role Title] – [Your Name]
You can also drop off your application at: Highbury Community Centre, Highbury Avenue, Thornton Heath, CR7 8BQ
Phone: 0208-764-4343
What We Look For
- Passion for early childhood education and a genuinely warm, child-centred approach.
- Inclusive practice: you value diversity and create a sense of belonging for every child and family.
- Professionalism & teamwork: reliable, reflective, and supportive of colleagues.
- Willingness to learn: open to CPD, feedback, and new ideas.
- Qualifications:
- For Early Years Practitioner / Room Leader roles: Level 3 in Early Years (or equivalent) preferred.
- For Nursery Assistant: Level 2 (or working towards) welcome.
- Paediatric First Aid and safeguarding training are a plus (or we’ll support you to complete them).
- All roles require an enhanced DBS and right to work in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: We welcome applicants with a variety of experience levels. For certain roles, a Level 3 childcare qualification is preferred.
Q: Do I need specific qualifications?
A: It depends on the role.
• Room Leader / Early Years Practitioner: Level 3 Early Years (full & relevant) preferred.
• Nursery Assistant: Level 2 (or working towards) considered.
• Catering Lead: Food hygiene training preferred (we can support this).
• SENCO: Relevant qualification/experience supporting SEND.
We also consider strong experience and can support apprenticeships or development pathways.
Q: Do you offer training and progression?
A: Yes. We provide ongoing CPD (safeguarding, paediatric first aid, EYFS, SEND, behaviour), mentoring, and clear routes to progress (e.g., Assistant → Practitioner → Room Leader → Leadership).
Q: I don’t have a Level 3. Can I still apply?
A: Yes—especially for Assistant roles or if you’re working towards Level 3. We also support staff via apprenticeships and (where appropriate) recognised experience-based routes. Tell us about your experience and training in your application.
Q: What are the working hours?
A: Roles include full-time and part-time options across nursery opening hours. Exact patterns vary by role and room. Let us know your availability when you apply.
Q: What checks do you carry out?
A: All roles are subject to enhanced DBS, reference checks (including most recent employer), and right-to-work verification, in line with our safeguarding duties.
Q: Do you sponsor visas?
A: We currently cannot offer sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Q: Can I apply if I’m newly qualified or returning to work?
A: Absolutely. We welcome newly qualified staff and returners; we’ll support your induction and refresher training.
Q: What benefits do you offer?
A: CPD and funded training, supportive supervision, pension scheme, inclusive culture, and clear progression pathways. Role-specific benefits are discussed at interview.
Q: How do I apply?
- Download the Staff Job Application Form.
- Complete all sections (qualifications, employment history, supporting statement, two referees).
- Submit via email to in**@*****************co.uk (subject: Application – [Role] – [Your Name]) or drop off at: Highbury Community Centre, Highbury Avenue, Thornton Heath, CR7 8BQ.
Phone: 0208 764 4343
Q: I need adjustments for the recruitment process. Can you help?
A: Yes. Let us know any reasonable adjustments you need for interview or assessment—we’re happy to accommodate.
Q: What’s the interview process?
A: Typically: application review → short phone screen → in-person interview → (for some roles) short practical session/room visit → references/DBS → offer.
Start Your Journey Today!
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and join our mission to build bright futures together. For any questions or assistance, contact us at in**@*****************co.uk or call 0208-764-4343.