

Image of the Rotherly Entrance

Image of the Rotherly Entrance
Do Something BIG...... work with small children
We can offer:
• A welcome bonus and an annual salary rise
• Teacher-led professional development
• Flexible working hours
• Supportive career opportunities
• Discounted childcare and preferential admission to The Westgate School (t&cs apply)
• 24 days paid leave, increasing to 27 days after 5 years, as well as Bank/Public holidays
All our team members also enjoy:
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
Free on-site gym
Discount scheme; variety of discounts on retail outlets, day trips, insurance
Free, on-site parking
Optical care up to £60 per year
Enhanced parental leave (maternity, paternity, adoption)
Up to three days compassionate leave
Free access to 24-7 Schools Mutual Support Line, with counselling, physiotherapy and private GP support provision
Our Team Ethos
Our team creates a nurturing, safe and caring environment where the happiness and well-being of all children is paramount. We recognise that a child’s parents or carers are their earliest and lifelong educators and advocates, and therefore we value working together with parents and carers to share our understanding of each child’s needs and interests. All colleagues support our child centred approach which allows children to learn through play and sparks their curiosity through the use of ‘In The Moment Planning’ and continuous provision.
Meet one of our team!

Why did you want to work in childcare?
I always knew that I wanted to help people. I worked in the After School club at The Westgate School, and I realised that I wanted to work with young children. I went to college, did my Level 3 childcare qualification and then came to work at Rotherly. That was three years ago.
What does an Early Years Practitioner do? Tell me about your average day?
When the children arrive, the room is already set up with lots of activities for them to choose from; books, arts & crafts, construction – whatever they have showed an interest in doing. They can start playing as soon as they get in. We do have different themes for each day but these can change; you have to listen and observe, see what they are interested in and then be flexible and creative to think of activities that they find fun to do. We have to think on our feet a lot!
We give them snacks, then lunch and we have quiet time after lunch. Some of them sleep but others will just have quiet activities.
I really enjoy seeing them play with the messy trays. We fill them with all sorts; pasta, rice, oats and even shaving foam! The children hide toys in there, or use chop sticks and paint brushes to make patterns. It always brings a smile to my face!
What is your most favourite part of the job/day?
I love watching the children grow and develop; reaching their milestones. One Butterfly I look after began writing his name this week – but last week he couldn’t do it! It’s so lovely to see those developments in children.
You spend so much time with the children – some of them for 50 hours a week – they sometimes feel like your family but you are an addition to their parents. They are always so happy to see their parent at the end of the day; big smiles and lots of chat telling them about their day. It’s special to be a part of that.
How did you become a SENCo and Room Leader?
I started working in the Caterpillar Room and about a year ago, I was appointed SENCo for the nursery. I had undertaken an Autism course and also an introduction to SEND course, so I was prepared for that role. Then my 2.5 years’ experience in Caterpillars meant I was successful to get the room leader job in Butterflies, which I started last November. It’s been a balance of experience and learning whilst working for me.
I am really proud of the way I have worked from an Early Years Assistant to Room Leader and SENCo. It has been a great journey for me and it has been so brilliant to have the support of all the team here at Rotherly who have helped me to succeed.
What is the best thing about working at Rotherly?
We are a really close team; everyone is friendly and we get along well as individuals not just colleagues. We support each other every day, not just in our allocated rooms but across the whole team. I would really miss them!
What makes a good childcare practitioner?
You have to have a naturally caring personality. Being able to build trusting relationships with both adults and the children is key to being a good practitioner as well.