YOUR LIFE.
YOUR CHOICE.
Current Opportunities: We are always keen to hear from QUALIFIED PRACTIONERS w
If you would like to be considered for any future roles, click through the link below for more information!
we recruit on attitude and are keen to welcome excellent early years educators to our team on FulL time, part time or flexible contracts.
THE NURSERY STANDARD
This is our standard 40-hour working week and based on a rota pattern which is set by your Nursery Manager.
THE FOUR DAY FLEX
Based on 36 hours per week. This pattern gives you the opportunity to have four days at work and three days to do whatever you want with. You will be given the opportunity to take on extra hours if you wish.
PART TIME
Working set days that suit you. We value our part time team members and you will be paid at exactly the same rate as your full time colleagues. You will also be given the opportunity to take on extra hours if you wish (no problem if you don’t though!)
LUNCH COVER
You will be loved by all as you cover our teams lunchbreaks! Typical hours would be 11.30-2pm every day.
BANK TEAM
If you want the ability to take up work when it’s offered (and also have the option to say no if those hours don’t suit!) then this is the role for you.
GOOD STUFF!
At Polka Dot Farm we’re crammed so many juicy benefits into our work packages we could rebrand as a multi-vit. Check out some of our benefits and if there’s something you think we’re missing we’d love to hear from you!
Nursery Discount
If you have children of your own that you would like to bring to Polka Dot Farm, we offer 50% off of Nursery Fees for your own children.
on site cafe
We have a cafe on the farm - The Cosy Cup - which offers team members discounted lunch, snacks and artisan coffee.
Pension
We will Auto enrol you into a pension scheme and contribute towards it, based on current government guidelines. You have the choice to opt out of this should you wish to.
Work Wear
Our farm environment means that you need good wellies and a warm coat! You will receive a contribution of ÂŁ100 to buy these when you start with us.
Personal Development
Want to learn a new skill that will positively impact the Nursery Environment? Maybe you want to undertake another qualification, learn about Forest School, develop your understanding about SEN or educate yourself in a new approach. Let us know! We have a funding pot to support this and we would love to do so.
Employee Assistance Programme
Life has its ups and downs and sometimes you just need to know where to turn for advice. All of our team members are enrolled into our Employee Assistance Programme which will offer support, strategic advice and counselling on all lifes issues.
Charity Sponsorships
You might be running a marathon, doing a sponsored walk or even running a tombola for a local cause. Whatever you are supporting, we want to cheer you on. Let us know and we will make a pledge towards your chosen charity.
Our ears are open!
Got an idea for another team benefit? Let us know! We'd love to add to the list!
Your Holiday: The Basics
Most nurseries offer a basic 28 days holiday allowance, which includes all the bank holidays. We think that’s a bit rubbish actually! At Polka Dot Farm, you can get up to 37 days holiday. And because birthdays are super important days you get your birthday off! You will be paid for bank holidays and for the three days that we close between Christmas and New Year.
40hr WEEK
0-2YRS - 20 Days + Your Birthday + Christmas + Bank Holidays = up to 33 days off!
+2YRS - 22 Days + Your Birthday + Christmas + Bank Holidays = up to 35 days off!
+5YRS - 24 Days + Your Birthday + Christmas + Bank Holidays = up to 37 days off!
36hr WEEK
0-2YRS - 16 Days + Your Birthday + Christmas + Bank Holidays = up to 29 days off!
+2YRS - 18 Days + Your Birthday + Christmas + Bank Holidays = up to 31 days off!
+5YRS - 20 Days + Your Birthday + Christmas + Bank Holidays = up to 33 days off!
Season Ticket Loan
If you get public transport to work, we are happy to lend you the money to buy a season ticket (much cheaper than daily tickets!) and you can pay us back monthly. Another little thing that can make a big difference to your personal budget.
Free onsite Parking
Plentiful off road, secure parking on the nursery site. No more paying for parking to go to work.
Whoop whoop!
Drinks on us
Tea, coffee, herbal options and hot chocolate are unlimited on site. There will be weekly treats too. While we know this is only a small gesture, it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Pop the kettle on!
Sabbatical
Our team are crucial to our success. At some point in your life, you may have a need to take an extended work break.
Whether that’s to train, study, care for someone who depends on you, or to travel around the world, we would love to support this.
Once you have been with Polka Dot Farm for over 2 years, you can apply for Sabbatical Leave.
Your Holiday: Piggy Bank
We want teams that are engaged and focused when they are at nursery and understand that this means that you need adequate downtime. We offer bonuses after 2 years service and 5 years service detailed below.
after 2 years...
After two years service at Polka Dot Farm, you will receive holiday vouchers to the value of ÂŁ500 to enable you to book a weekend away.
after 5 years...
After five years service, you will receive holiday vouchers to value of ÂŁ1000 (and additional holiday allowance to go and enjoy it!)
Unexpected Bumps in the road
Sometimes lives take a turn that we weren’t expecting.
If you need time off for family illness, bereavement, or any other challenge that you may be facing, we will work with you to make that happen.
Christmas Closure
We've worked in Early Years long enough to know that by the time Christmas comes, you need a rest.
We wholeheartedly believe that the festive season should be spent with your loved ones, which is why we close the nursery entirely from Dec 23rd to January 2nd each year.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, we are keen to support you during this exciting time.
Every pregnancy is different and we will offer support to any team member.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment (or want to support a partner that is) we will work to support you on this journey.
Ongoing CPD
Internal training to keep you up to date with industry trends and requirements as well as access to external courses and seminars.
wellness & investment in you
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind. We offer help with your initial gym membership fees, allowing team members the chance to discover yoga, pilates, aerobics, HIIT training. If the gym isn't your thing, you can use your Wellness Budget on some self care - massage anyone?.
MATTERS
“Wellbeing” is the buzz word in Childcare right now. So many nurseries out there are paying lip service to “wellbeing” without actually following through on their promises. I mean, donuts in the staff room and free tea and coffee is nice, but it’s hardly going to cut the mustard during an economic downturn (am I right?!) We promise that your wellbeing matters. A happy team leads to happy children. And that’s great all round.
At Polka Dot Farm, we are putting Wellbeing at the heart of what do for our team. Instead of spending money on executive board meetings to talk about “boosting morale” and “wellbeing incentives” we have decided to keep it simple and pay our team a decent salary for what they do.
Sounds simple? The best ideas usually are.Â
We are confident that our pay scales are at the top end of the market, which we hope will attract the right talent to our setting.
Mum to Mason, Nursery Director Faye has been in childcare since she was a mere child herself, joining the sector from school. She is passionate about creating the environments for both children and teams to thrive. Faye has worked in independent settings, small chains and large corporate nurseries, learning lots along the way. Faye’s devotion to positive early years experiences for all is infectious and her energy is felt by everyone.
SIAN
Nursery Director Sian first entered the nursery sector in 2005, after having her first child, and has since become a proud mum of three and step-mum to three more.
Most of the children are taller than her now! Sian brings a wealth of expertise and a fun-loving attitude to her role, ensuring that the whole nursery team receives the highest quality of training and nuturing.
