Early Years Careers at LEYF Nurseries

Join the LEYF team and build both your future and the future of our children.

Submit your CV

At LEYF, we understand that a child’s first five years make a huge difference to their learning and the person they grow into. That’s why we’re looking for people who care deeply about educating young children to learn and grow, while feeling safe and supported. Whatever role you’re interested in, you’ll find real purpose, growth and support with us.

Our teams tell us time and again that they wish they’d joined us sooner. Why? Because at LEYF, you’re not just another number – you’re part of a charity that puts children first, not profits.

Any surplus goes straight back into our nurseries, our teams and the children. We invest in you so you can invest in their futures.

Want to make a difference and build a rewarding career in early years education? Explore our latest nursery and central office jobs.

Find your next role

LEYF gave me the confidence and the teaching to go further in my job.

Victoria, Room Manager
You never feel alone at LEYF—there’s always someone to turn to

Selamawit, Nursery Manager
LEYF has helped my career through ongoing training and support.

Caroline, Early Years Educator
We are friends, we are like family. We always support one another.

Elizabeth, Early Years Educator

Find out more about…

Become a LEYF Leader

Learn more about our roles in nursery leadership.

Pre-schoolers playing with playdough with male teacher

Join our brilliant team of Teachers

Learn more about our Early Years Teachers and Assistant roles.

Nursery Chef roles

Learn more about our roles in nursery catering as a Chef or Chef's Assistant

Central Office and support roles

Learn more about roles in our central office from finance, marketing, IT, customer service and more.

Bank and flexible roles

Find out about our bank and flexible roles.

Apprenticeships

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Academy with a unique enrichment programme helps you to kickstart your career in Early Years.

Benefits that really support you

At LEYF, we look after you as well as the children you care for. Alongside competitive pay, flexible working options and generous annual leave, you’ll get access to a range of benefits designed to make everyday life a little easier. That includes a 70% childcare discount, a sector-leading pension, and wellbeing support whenever you need it.

We know that early years professionals value balance, security and a workplace that genuinely supports them, so our benefits are built with you in mind.

Explore our benefits

Grow your early years career with us

At LEYF, your development really matters to us. From day one, you’ll get practical training, mentoring and hands-on workshops through our London Institute of Early Years. We also offer clear routes to progress with full qualifications. These include our Early Years degree, Apprenticeship programmes, Room Manager leadership training, SENDCo course and more

No matter where you are in your early years career - experienced, returning, or just starting out, we’ll help you build confidence in child development, safeguarding, inclusive practice, leadership and more. We’re here to help you grow, step by step, with real opportunities to move forward.

London Institute of Early Years

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We know that children thrive, families feel supported, and colleagues belong when differences are valued and celebrated. Our commitment is simple: to create nurseries and workplaces that are fair, inclusive, and enriched by the diverse communities we serve. We welcome people from all backgrounds who share our values: Inspiring, Brave, Nurturing and Fun. If you’re passionate about giving children the best start in life, you’ll feel right at home here.

Read about our commitment to you

We're right on your doorstep

With 43 nurseries to choose from, chances are there’s one just minutes away. We understand that most prefer to work close to home. So we've built a network of settings that keeps your commute short and your work–life balance strong. And if we’re not quite on your street, we’re likely just a short bus or train journey away.

Find a nursery near you

Meet the Recruitment team

We're here to answer any of your queries, helping you to work out what role and nursery is right for you. We're friendly and approachable so don't hesitate to enquire via jointheteam@leyf.org.uk if you're unsure what to apply for or just have a question.

Meet the team

Join our team – Apply today

Submit your CV

Ready to make a difference but not sure where to start? Send us your CV and we’ll guide you.

Contact us

We'd love to hear from you.

Early Years Student Hub

Turn your love for helping children into a career worth shouting about.