Early Years Social & Emotional Learning Practitioner

Early Years Social & Emotional Learning Practitioner

A rewarding, part-time educator role, ideal for early years or primary practitioners who are passionate about supporting families to build confidence in managing big feelings and everyday moments together.

About Babyzone

At Babyzone, we believe that every child deserves the strongest possible start in life, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our community-driven hubs provide warm, inclusive spaces where families feel welcomed, supported and confident.

Nest is one of Babyzone's practical, research-informed sessions, designed to help parents and children (aged 0-5) build social and emotional skills through play, connection and shared routines. Delivered within our hubs, the programme helps families feel more confident handling tantrums, staying calm under stress, and building connection with their child.

Why This Role is Perfect for You

Are you an experienced early years or primary educator who enjoys working directly with families? Are you confident leading small groups and passionate about learning through play and relationship?

This role is particularly suited to practitioners seeking flexible, part-time work alongside other roles or commitments. It offers a meaningful opportunity to deliver high quality, curriculum-based sessions while being part of a supportive, values-driven organisation.

The Opportunity

As a Nest Practitioner, you will deliver Babyzone's Nest curriculum at Babyzone Blackburn each week. You will play a vital role in creating a warm, engaging and safe environment where parents, carers and children learn together, with the carer-child relationship at the centre of every session.

You will:

Deliver the Nest curriculum with fidelity, ensuring sessions follow the intended structure, learning goals and ethos

Lead fixed ritual elements such as the Hello Song, Feelings Map check-in and Goodbye Song, which give children a predictable and regulating structure across the programme

Make small, appropriate adjustments to delivery in response to the needs of local families while preserving core content

Prepare thoroughly for each session, including completing required online pre delivery modules on the Babyzone learning platform

Create a warm, inclusive and supportive atmosphere where all families feel

encouraged to participate, without ever requiring participation

Model calm, regulated adult presence, understanding that children borrow calm from the adults around them

Manage group dynamics to maintain a calm, positive and engaging session environment

Prioritise safeguarding, safety and wellbeing at all times, in line with Babyzone expectations

Work collaboratively with the Hub Manager and wider Babyzone team to support smooth hub delivery and continuous improvement

Support the set-up and breakdown of the Babyzone space and be available during hub hours on delivery days

Maintain accurate attendance and session records, delivering sessions to a

maximum of 12 families per session.

What You’ll Need We’re looking for someone who:

Has professional teaching experience with nursery, pre-primary or primary-aged children

Has a strong understanding of early childhood development and social and

emotional learning

Is confident building trust and rapport with families from diverse backgrounds

Communicates clearly and confidently with both adults and children

Is reliable, organised and comfortable delivering structured, curriculum-based sessions

Has a strong awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to safe practice

Personal Attributes

You will be someone who:

Is deeply aligned with Babyzone's mission, values and way of working

Brings warmth, kindness and respect to their work with families

Is enthusiastic about children's emotional development and passionate aboutsupporting families' confidence

Is reflective, open to feedback and committed to developing their practice

Is dependable and excited to contribute to a positive Babyzone community setting

Role Details

Location: Blackburn Youth Zone, Jubilee Street, Blackburn, BB1 1EP

Hours: Wednesdays 9:30-2:30 (term time only)

Contract: Part-time, self-employed (professional indemnity and public liability insurance required)

Pay: £175 per delivery day

Start Date: 2nd of November 2026

Reports to: Hub Manager / Programme Lead

What We Offer

Full training on the Nest curriculum and Babyzone ethos

A supportive team environment with ongoing coaching and guidance

Flexible, part-time work that fits around other commitments

The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on families' early emotional development