Looking after young children isn’t just about keeping them safe — it’s about helping them grow, learn, and feel secure. If you’re someone who’s naturally good with kids and doesn’t mind a bit of mess and noise, working as a nursery practitioner might be a great fit.

At Cucumber Recruitment, we help nursery staff find roles across the UK. Whether you’ve worked in childcare for years or you’re looking for a fresh start in early years education, we can help you find the right place to land.

What the Job Involves

Every day’s different, but a lot of it comes down to the basics: keeping children safe, engaged, and supported. You’ll be helping with play, snack times, naps, and all the little routines that help young children feel secure.

You might spend part of your day reading stories, helping with messy play, or calming someone down after a wobble. It’s not always calm and it’s rarely quiet — but it’s rewarding, and if you enjoy being around children, it makes sense.

Some roles are based in private nurseries, others in school settings or early years centres. The age range can vary too — from babies up to preschoolers.

Is Nursery Work Right for You?

Working with small children takes patience, energy, and a real sense of care. You’ve got to be switched on, ready to adapt, and happy to roll with the unpredictability of working with under-5s.

• You’ll probably enjoy this kind of role if:
• You’re warm, calm, and good with routines
• You can get down on the floor and join in without hesitation
• You know how to keep children safe and settled
• You’re okay with a bit of chaos and the occasional glitter explosion
• You’re interested in how children learn and develop through play

If that sounds like you, you’ll likely find the work rewarding, even on the tougher days.

How We Work

We keep it simple. You let us know the kind of hours and settings you’re looking for, and we’ll help match you with nurseries or early years teams that need staff.

We’ve helped nursery practitioners find roles all over the country — full-time, part-time, long-term or just short-term cover. Whether you’re coming from another childcare role or just want to try something new, we’ll help you find a good fit and get started without delay.

Want to Find a Role?

If you’re ready to work as a nursery practitioner or even just thinking about it, we’re happy to help. You can look at our latest jobs now.