Location
Sutton, London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£35,520 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough is known for high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, providing quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and high street developments.

About the Borough (continued)
Sutton is investing continuously in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to be the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision is expected to create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. With regeneration projects including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to supporting residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

About the Service and Team
Join us at an exciting time as we develop our Best Start Family Hubs to ensure families and children receive the support they need. We build positive relationships with communities and key partners, working closely with health services, the voluntary sector, and parents to design services that meet families’ needs. Our priorities focus on helping children achieve better health and wellbeing, access early support, feel ready for school, work and life, and experience more stability at home. Our core values guiding this work are kindness, respect, trust, non-judgement, and reliability.

About the Role
We are seeking a motivated, creative, and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our Start Well team. This busy and rewarding role involves working across the borough in Family Hubs and community venues. Responsibilities include delivering play and development groups and activities that support children’s development, providing essential advice and support to parents, and managing a small caseload of families requiring one-to-one support, delivered flexibly either in Family Hubs or in family homes.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting your career growth in a friendly, collaborative environment. Your ideas will be welcomed and supported by a dynamic and experienced management team. Benefits include a generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time), enhanced family leave options, two volunteering days per year, flexible working arrangements, access to learning and development courses, discounts at local shops and leisure centres, interest-free season ticket loans, Local Government Pension Scheme, bicycle loan and cycle to work schemes, electric vehicle leasing, and confidential health and wellbeing support.

Application Process
Apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience relevant to this role. We value authenticity and expect personalised responses demonstrating your motivation and alignment with our PRIDE values. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to a transparent, fair recruitment process. The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as we may close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received.

Diversity and Inclusion
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough and workforce, celebrating differences and fostering belonging. We offer family-friendly policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, and inclusive networks. As a disability confident employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants meeting the essential criteria. We are an accredited London Living Wage Employer, ensuring all employees receive the London Living Wage regardless of contract type or length.

Additional Information
The UK’s points-based immigration system affects sponsorship availability, which is subject to eligibility and budget. Sponsorship requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed for all roles.

Experience
Experience working with young children and families is desirable but not explicitly stated as essential. A strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and the wider context of Best Start Family Hubs is required.

About You
You should be passionate about supporting young children and families to thrive, with a 'can-do' attitude and commitment to building positive, trusting relationships. Excellent communication and listening skills are essential, with the ability to relate to families from diverse backgrounds and help build resilience.

Qualifications
Specific qualifications are not detailed, but excellent knowledge of child development is required. Candidates should be self-motivated and ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and families.