What is an Early Years Practitioner?
Interested in becoming an Early Years Practitioner at Partou?
Find out what the role involves, how to qualify, career path opportunities and more in this blog!
Partou & you
Allowing you to find the perfect work/life balance
Flexible Work That Works for Everyone
At Partou, children are the leaders. As they discover the world together in our fun, safe, and trusted environments, they’re showing us what the future looks like.
To help them thrive, we need a caring and adaptable team that is ready to step in when it matters most.
Partou & You is about more than just a job. It is about joining a supportive, caring community where you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career, while making a real impact on the next generation.
We know that everyone has different needs when it comes to work. Whether you are looking for a permanent role with structure and stability, or a flexible way to work around other commitments, there is a place for you at Partou.
Four Ways to Work at Partou
We offer four types of roles, giving you the chance to find the right fit for your life and career. No matter which path you choose, you will be part of a team that supports each other and makes a real difference every day.
1. Full-Time Permanent
A career which offers you stability and growth
For those who want to be part of a dedicated nursery team, working full-time hours with clear opportunities to grow.
- A permanent contract with guaranteed hours
- Full access to training and development, career progression opportunities and wellbeing support
- A stable role where you can build strong relationships with children, communities, and your team
- Opportunities to progress into leadership, specialist roles, or new challenges within Partou
This role is ideal if you want to build a long-term career in early years, with structured hours and development opportunities that help you grow.
2. Part-Time Permanent
A perfect balance of structure, flexibility, and growth
For those who want regular, set hours but with the flexibility to fit around other commitments.
- A permanent role with guaranteed part-time hours
- The same benefits as full-time roles, including training, wellbeing support, and career progression.
- The chance to develop your skills and grow within Partou, whether you stay part-time or transition into a full-time role
- A great option for those balancing work with study, parenting, or other responsibilities
This role is ideal if you need a steady schedule but want flexibility in how you work, with opportunities to develop and grow in your career.
3. Partou Flex
Supporting our nurseries when it matters most
For those seekng a more adaptable way to work, Partou Flex allows you to support our nurseries when extra hands are needed.
- Pick up shifts based on your availability and nursery needs
- Work across different nurseries and gain a variety of experience
- Be a valued team member, providing cover during busy times or absences
- Competitive hourly pay, with opportunities to transition into a permanent role when the time is right
- Access to training and support
This role is ideal if you are looking for flexibility, variety, and the opportunity to stay connected to early years without committing to fixed hours.
4. Seasonal Flex
Flexible work opportunities during school holidays
For those looking for short-term flexible work, Seasonal Flex provides an opportunity to gain experience in early years while supporting our nurseries during busy periods such as school holidays.
- Ideal for students or supply teachers looking for extra work
- Work on a fixed-term or ad-hoc basis, depending on nursery needs
- Gain valuable hands-on experience in early years settings
- Competitive hourly pay, with the potential option to transition into Partou Flex or a permanent role if desired
- A great way to gain childcare experience while accessing our training and development opportunities
This is an ideal role for university students studying education, qualified teachers looking for work outside of term time, or supply teachers who want consistent hours during school breaks.
Partou & You
A place for everyone
Every Partou nursery has its own setting, in its own location, within its own community. But visit any one of them, anywhere in the UK, and you will find the same set of shared values.
Through Partou & You, every team member, regardless of role or contract, has access to learning, support, and career development opportunities.
At Partou, we believe in:
Care
Creating a warm, safe, and inspiring environment for children.
Compassion
Understanding that flexibility matters and offering different ways to work
Continuous learning
Providing opportunities for every team member to develop, grow, and progress.
Latest news
Partou are proud to partner with UNICEF to support children worldwide
We are delighted to announce we are now an official partner of UNICEF, building on years of supporting UNICEF initiatives.
Learn more about this exciting partnership.
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