Ready for the next step in your career?
If you’re taking the incredible step to work in childcare or looking for the next step in your career, that means you’re taking on one of the most important jobs in the world:
Providing high quality childcare, peppered with love.
At least, that’s what it means here at Munchkins.
We know that childcare and early education isn’t always the easiest industry to work in… but we also know that it can be one of the most rewarding when you have the support and opportunities you need to thrive.
At Munchkins, we take our motto into everything we do, which is why everything we offer our amazing team is also peppered with love! When you feel appreciated and supported, you
What’s on Offer?
We mean it when we say we’re here to support you; when your mental well-being is taken care of and you feel supported and excited about coming to work, you’re able to provide families and children with the support they need. That’s why there’s so much good stuff on offer when you join our team!
Take a look at all of the benefits on offer when you become part of Munchkins…
What’s on Offer?
We mean it when we say we’re here to support you; when your mental well-being is taken care of and you feel supported and excited about coming to work, you’re able to provide families and children with the support they need. That’s why there’s so much good stuff on offer when you join our team!
Take a look at all of the benefits on offer when you become part of Munchkins…
Paid Holiday
Additional days added to your annual leave entitlement for each year of service for up 37 days!
Well-Being Programme
We care about how you are feeling and want to support you so we have a well-being programme in place for our team members
Flexi Working
We offer flexible working hours
4 Day Week
We give the option to work a 4 day week
Milestone Bonus
After 5 years of service you get a £500 holiday voucher of your choice
Personal Care Stations
Every nursery has one in their bathrooms! Its free and help yourself.
Pick Me Up
A little gift from Manager to staff who may need a pick me up or seem to be struggling.
Cuppa & Connect Days
Have a cuppa and a chat with your director/manager for some positivity and suggesting new ideas.
Pension Scheme
We offer a generous Pension Scheme
Staff Uniform
Munchkins staff uniform refreshed annually and coats for the colder months
Birthday OFF
Extra days holiday to celebrate your birthday
Gifts
Christmas, Wedding &
New Baby Gifts
Breakfast
On the go breakfast & beverages before your shift
Team Events
Team social events and occasions
Sabbatical Leave
We give you the opportunity to go on sabbatical leave
Lunch Treats
We regularly buy lunch for our team
First Aid
We provide First Aid Training to our staff to ensure safety at our nursery
Bespoke Curriculum
In-house high-quality Munchkins Curriculum
Learn a new skill
You come to us with a new skill you’d like to learn and we will fully fund it and give you the time to bring your skill into the nursery settings
Forest School
Forest School training
Bonus Scheme
We give our staff the opportunity to be a part of our bonus scheme
CPD
On-going CPD – Access to 100’s online courses for you for Free!
Makaton
All our Munchkins Nursery teach Makaton
Apprenticeship
20% apprentice working hours - 20% of your working hours is put towards your apprenticeship so you can do some of your coursework at work!
SEND
We work with SEND children and can provide you with relevant training
Induction Days
Induction days to help you settle into the Munchkins way, Ethos and Vision.
Nursery Visits
Visiting other nurseries and working other Early Years Professionals across all our settings
Rewards & Incentives
Rewards & Incentives
Enjoy a tastecard+, with discounts on restaurants, cinema, days out & more, for just £29.99.
What it means to be a part of Munchkins
Here at Munchkins, our Company Values are at the heart of everything we do - not because we’re some big corporate machine but because we want everything we do to have value. After all, you wouldn’t want to work somewhere with different values and beliefs than you, would you?
When it comes to childcare, the key elements of our vision are simple:
To provide a stimulating environment that is safe and secure and that encourages children to develop a true love of learning.
To develop a passion within each child for the outdoors and natural world.
To offer high-quality care that is peppered with love!
Our whole philosophy is based on the belief that each child is unique and different, and that they all learn in different ways. That’s why our aim is to continue building a team that will go above and beyond to build each child’s confidence and self-esteem.
Who are Munchkins Nursery and Preschool?
We are a bespoke group of nurseries owned by sisters Jo Callaghan and Liz Makins.
Inspired by forest-school teaching, we utilise the outdoor world and outdoor education to help each of our Munchkins build personal, social, and technical skills.
As a member of the team, your primary role is to support children in their exploration. By allowing them to follow their own curiosity, explore the world around them, and take safe, calculated risks in their play, you will help to create a sense of independence and achievement in them.
We’re always on the lookout for someone who can bring passion, energy, and new ideas to the team, and keep driving us forward when it comes to providing high quality childcare.
A Message from our Owners
Munchkins Nurseries was founded by Jo Callaghan and Liz Makins. Watch this video where Jo and Liz reveal the delightful working environment and offerings available at Munchkins Nurseries.
A welcome gift from us to you
Our team is so important to us and we always want to make the first day as part of the team as memorable as possible. Not only will you have a full induction process, but also receive one of our welcome recruitment tote bags!
As part of our individual and personalised onboarding with new team members we offer personal touches such as a team breakfast bar and we also provide outdoor coats and uniform.
Get Our Recruitment Pack
Learn more about our company values and what we can offer you… PLUS get a list of top 10 interview tips!
Hear What Our Team Have To Say!
Take a Look at our Vacancies
We’re always on the lookout for childcare superstars who can embody Munchkins values. Take a look below to see our current vacancies.
Qualified Nursery Practitioner
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest level of care and education for all children. We’re looking for somebody who is a passionate, caring, team-player who loves working with children - somebody ready to bring energy, joy, and laughter to every day!
As a Nursery Practitioner, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
🌿 Act as designated key person for an allocated number of children.
🌿 Ensure you observe, plan and assess children’s learning and development within the EYFS framework.
🌿 Develop positive partnerships with parents children and staff.
🌿 Ensure the individual needs of children are identified and met.
🌿 Maintain the safety of children within your care at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
Requirements:
🌿 Minimum Level 2 in Early Years or equivalent.
🌿 Good standard of English and Maths at GCSE A-C or equivalent.
🌿 A thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
🌿 A great work ethic and the ability to work as a team.
🌿 High standards of work and cleanliness in the workplace.
🌿 Satisfactory Disclosure Barring Services Check and references.
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Room Leader
We are proud to be an award winning Nursery and we are looking for an outstanding Room Leader! Munchkins Nurseries are ideally situated and have rapidly become a number 1 choice for families in the local area, as well as offering a fantastic place to work.
As a Room Leader, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
🌿 Lead a busy room and have a passion about your work.
🌿 Maintain the safety of children within your care at all times, both indoors and outside.
🌿 Be fully aware of safeguarding and provide safe, creative and developmentally appropriate play activities, with regard to health and safety, ensuring that each child is working towards their optimum development.
Requirements:
🌿 Nursery Practitioners must hold a current childcare qualification (Level 3 is a requirement) including knowledge of and ability to follow the requirements of EYFS.
🌿 Have at least 3 years qualified experience within a nursery setting.
🌿 Previous experience of working with young children
🌿 A great work ethic and the ability to work as a team.
🌿 High standards of work and cleanliness in the workplace.
🌿 Satisfactory Disclosure Barring Services Check and references.
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Apprentice
We're looking for an enthusiastic Nursery Apprentice to join our growing team in Dunton Fields, Laindon and Wivenhoe. We offer a paid apprenticeship role where you will be part of a warm and welcoming team, gaining hands-on experience as you earn your qualifications.
As an Apprentice at Munchkins, we're looking for someone who:
🌿 Is excited to work in the childcare sector
🌿 Wants to gain hands-on experience as they work toward their Level 3 Qualification in Early Years and Childcare
🌿 Has a passion for making a difference in children's lives
🌿 Will be able to create magical opportunities that promote children's development
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Preschool Room Leader
(Brightlingsea)
We are proud to be an award winning Nursery and we are looking for an outstanding Room Leader to lead our Baby Room at our brand new nursery in Brightlingsea.
Munchkins Nurseries are ideally situated, right in the High Street and have rapidly become a number 1 choice for families in the local area, as well as offering a fantastic place to work.
As a Room Leader, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
Lead a busy baby room and have a passion about your work.
Maintain the safety of children within your care at all times, both indoors and outside.
Be fully aware of safeguarding and provide safe, creative and developmentally appropriate play activities, with regard to health and safety, ensuring that each child is working towards their optimum development.
Requirements:
Nursery Practitioners must hold a current childcare qualification (Level 3 is a requirement) including knowledge of and ability to follow the requirements of EYFS.
Have at least 3 years qualified experience within a nursery setting.
Previous experience of working with young children
Satisfactory Disclosure Barring Services Check and references.
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Pre-school Room Leader
(Dunton Park in Laindon)
We are proud to be an award winning Nursery and we are looking for an outstanding Room Leader.
As a Room Leader, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
Lead a busy room and have a passion for your work.
Maintain the safety of children within your care at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
Be fully aware of safeguarding and provide safe, creative and developmentally appropriate play activities, with regard to health and safety, ensuring that each child is working towards their optimum development.
Requirements:
Nursery Practitioners must hold a current childcare qualification (Level 3 is a requirement) including knowledge of and ability to follow the requirements of EYFS.
Have at least 3 years qualified experience within a nursery setting.
Previous experience of working with young children
Satisfactory Disclosure Barring Services Check and references.
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Deputy Manager, Full Time (40 Hours)
(Dunton Park in Laindon)
As a Deputy Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest level of care and education for all children. We’re looking for somebody who is a passionate, caring, team-player who loves working with children - somebody ready to bring energy, joy, and laughter to every day!
As a Deputy Manager, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
To take responsibility for the effective daily running of each room.
To have a sound knowledge of Company Policies, procedures and expectations.
To act as an excellent role model to the team and being and able to showcase high standards in all areas of your practice.
To support the manager in the day to day running of the nursery.
To support your room team in planning and providing appropriate daily activities in line with guidance from the EYFS.
To manage and supervise observation, assessment and planning within your room, ensuring all children are making progress.
Ensure you observe, plan and assess children’s learning and development within the EYFS framework.
Develop positive partnerships with parents' children and staff.
Ensure the individual needs of children are identified and met.
Maintain the safety of children within your care at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
Requirements:
Minimum Level 3 in Early Years or equivalent.
2 years or more experience of working in a nursery or similar environment.
Experience of being a room manager or managing a small team.
Good standard of English and Maths at GCSE A-C or equivalent.
A thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
A great work ethic and the ability to work as a team.
High standards of work and cleanliness in the workplace.
Satisfactory Disclosure Barring Services Check and references.
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Qualified Nursery Practitioner, Full Time (40 Hours) Available, (Part Time Available Laindon Settings)
Dunton Park in Laindon - Level 2 or 3
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest level of care and education for all children. We’re looking for somebody who is a passionate, caring, team-player who loves working with children - somebody ready to bring energy, joy, and laughter to every day!
As a Nursery Practitioner, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
Act as designated key person for an allocated number of children.
Ensure you observe, plan and assess children’s learning and development within the EYFS framework.
Develop positive partnerships with parents children and staff.
Ensure the individual needs of children are identified and met.
Maintain the safety of children within your care at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
Requirements:
Minimum Level 2 in Early Years or equivalent.
Good standard of English and Maths at GCSE A-C or equivalent.
A thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
A great work ethic and the ability to work as a team.
High standards of work and cleanliness in the workplace.
Satisfactory Disclosure Barring Services Check and references.
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Cook
(Laindon)
As a Cook, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
Planning weekly menus, in conjunction with the Management team.
Adhere to strict dietary requirements providing alternative meals where necessary. Liaison with room leaders is essential for this.
Ensuring that all records are kept up to date including but not exclusive to daily menu sheets, food hygiene record book, fridge and freezer temperature records, food probe temperatures. In addition, be responsible for monitoring and controlling food and household goods.
Coordinating the serving of mid-day meals and snacks throughout the day as well as washing dishes and utensils.
Be responsible for food safety within the nursery, including all safety checks relating to children's dietary/allergy requirements, storage, and preparation of food.
Keeping a safe and clean environment, including changing food bins, ensuring the waste is being disposed of correctly, and ensuring all floor surfaces are clean.
Keeping records of all hygiene and risk assessments within the kitchen area.
Maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness within the kitchen area and for all kitchen equipment.
Requirements:
Level 2 Food Hygiene Preferred
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Apprentice
Brightlingsea, Laindon, Dunton Fields in Laindon, Dunton Park in Laindon
We're looking for an enthusiastic Nursery Apprentice to join our growing team in Dunton Fields, Laindon and Wivenhoe. We offer a paid apprenticeship role where you will be part of a warm and welcoming team, gaining hands-on experience as you earn your qualifications.
As an Apprentice at Munchkins, we're looking for someone who:
Is excited to work in the childcare sector
Wants to gain hands-on experience as they work toward their Level 3 Qualification in Early Years and Childcare
Has a passion for making a difference in children's lives
Will be able to create magical opportunities that promote children's development
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Apprentice Nursery Practitioner
Dunton Park in Laindon
We're looking for enthusiastic Nursery Apprentices to join our growing team!
Munchkins Nursery offers a paid apprenticeship role, where you will be part of a warm and welcoming team! Gain hands-on experience as you earn your qualifications!
As an Apprentice, we're looking for someone who:
Is excited to work in the childcare sector
Wants to gain hands-on experience as they gain a level 3 qualification in Early Years and Childcare
Has a passion for making a difference in children's lives.
Will be able to create, magical opportunities to help promote child's development
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Toddler Room Leader, Full Time (40 Hours)
Brightlingsea
As a Toddler Room Leader, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest level of care and education for all children within your room, as well as managing the practitioners and team members in the room. We’re looking for somebody who is a passionate, caring, leader who loves working with children - somebody ready to bring energy, joy, and laughter to every day!
As a Toddler Room Leader, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
Act as designated key person for an allocated number of children.
Ensure you observe, plan and assess children’s learning and development within the EYFS framework.
Coach and mentor the team with existing and new initiatives, supporting them with specific knowledge, skills, and training.
Develop positive partnerships with parents children and staff.
Ensure the individual needs of children are identified and met.
Maintain the safety of children within your care at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
Requirements:
Minimum Level 3 in early years or equivalent.
At least 3 years experience in a nursery setting.
A great personality with ambition, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
A thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
A great work ethic and the ability to work as a team.
High standards of work and cleanliness in the workplace.
Satisfactory Disclosure Barring Services Check and references.
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Kitchen Assistant
(Dunton Park and Dunton Fields in Laindon)
As a Kitchen Assistant you will work across our Dunton Park and Dunton Fields settings, both located in Laindon, and you will be responsible for supporting our Nursery Chef.
This role is part time (25 hours per week), Monday- Friday
As a Kitchen Assistant, your Responsibilities and Duties include (but are not limited to):
Supporting our Nursery Chef
Ensuring that all food online ordering is completed by Friday afternoon and be responsible for all food and cleaning equipment ordering.
Adhere to strict dietary requirements providing alternative meals where necessary.
Coordinating the serving of mid-day meals and snacks throughout the day as well as washing dishes and utensils.
Be responsible for food safety within the nursery, including all safety checks relating to children's dietary/allergy requirements, storage, and preparation of food
Keeping records of all hygiene and risk assessments within the kitchen area
Maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness within the kitchen area and for all kitchen equipment
Supporting the nursery with washing which includes bed sheets, blankets and soft furnishings
Requirements:
Level 2 Food Hygiene Preferred but Not Essential as training will be provided
Ability to drive and own vehicle so that you can work across our nurseries at Dunton Park and Dunton Fields
To apply for this position please fill in the form below
Are you ready to take your career to the next level and join our amazing team?
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