Nursery Manager at Sweet Peas, Chloie Babington, talks about an amazing recruitment bonus of £1000 for new and returning eligible early years workers and how Sweet Peas can help your career.
Make a career in early years and receive a £1000 incentive
We’re excited to tell you about the Department for Education’s (DfE) Early Years Financial Incentives Programme. It will enable anyone starting their first career or returning after a break, to receive a direct payment of £1000 after 6 months of employment. It is part of the DfE’s “Do something big” campaign launched last year, designed to boost recruitment in preparation for September’s rollout of 30 funded hours for children from nine months old.
Why early years education is so important
By age five, a child’s brain is already 90% developed. While each child grows at their own pace, the first five years are a critical period for cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Be part of a child’s early years and help shape their future
You get to play a part in shaping little lives, and that’s an incredible privilege. You’re constantly encouraged and motivated to think, “How can this be better?” There’s no standing still. You have the opportunity to grow as a professional while watching children grow right in front of you. Seeing their faces light up throughout the day and knowing their parents have trusted you with their most precious gift, is an honour.
It’s not just playing and babysitting
From the outside, early years education can sometimes look like simply playing or babysitting. But in reality, play is purposeful – it’s the foundation for learning. While children play, educators are carefully observing how they interact, explore, and problem-solve. Using our knowledge of child development and milestones, we can help you recognise what each child is ready for next, then you can provide just the right support and tailor teaching to help them develop and achieve.
Every interaction is a teaching interaction
In early years, teaching happens in the everyday moments. Something as simple as washing hands becomes a chance to learn – pushing to turn on the tap, rubbing in the soap to clean away germs, talking about why it is important for our health, and rinsing it off properly. These small routines build independence, knowledge, and life skills that children will carry with them.
I love working in early years
While some days can be challenging, they’re also deeply rewarding. At the end of the day, it’s a different kind of tiredness you may feel. It’s a fulfilling reminder that you’ve made a difference. Every day is unique, and with each challenge comes the opportunity to reflect, try again and grow.
Early years education is full of meaningful moments – where care, play, and teaching come together to nurture growth and development.
What makes Sweet Peas different?
Having worked in both council-run and privately-run nurseries, I can see and feel what sets us apart. Here, you really get to focus on the children because everything else is thoughtfully taken care of.
Firstly supportive leadership Our leadership team truly looks after our team members. We ask you to always put children first – but we also know that’s only possible if someone is putting you first. Our leadership team makes sure you feel supported, valued and cared for so you can give your best to the children.
Secondly thoughtful structure and resources Everything is designed to help you focus on what really matters.
- We work with better team-to-child ratios than the minimum requirements.
- Every suite has dedicated lunchtime cover so you know there is more familiarity for your children while you are on your lunch break.
- Our housekeeper takes care of bedding, flannels, and cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about laundry or cleaning the Suite at the end of the day.
All of this means you’re free to concentrate on creating meaningful activities, supporting children’s development, without unnecessary tasks or distraction.
More than qualifications and experience
For us, it’s not just about what’s on paper. As long as your values align with ours, we can teach you everything else. We’ll support your progression – we work with a fantastic sector training provider. Skills like scaffolding learning can be taught – but kindness, passion, and genuine care for children cannot. With that foundation, everything else can be built.
Advice for anyone interested in early years
If you’re thinking about a career in early years, take the time to visit nurseries and get a real feel for their values and approach and consider whether it aligns with you. Your background, culture, or gender doesn’t matter – what matters is your passion and curiosity.
Pick up the phone, have a conversation, come see us or take a look at our website:
· Chloie Babington, Nursery Manager on 0113 287 3388 or chloie.babington@sweetpeasnursery.co.uk · Visit our website careers page https://sweetpeasnursery.co.uk/join-us/
And don’t delay as the £1000 incentive is only available until March 2026.
Further information on the Early Years Financial Incentives Programme
Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment after they have been in the role for 6 months. To be eligible for a payment, you must either:
- · not have worked in a nursery before,
- · have worked in a nursery before but not in the last 6 months,
- · have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months but on a temporary contract
- · You do not need to have any early years qualifications or have worked in a nursery before
- · All eligible employees must have been appointed after 15 July 2025 and before 01 March 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-financial-incentives
Read about Akib and Beth’s experience with us here at Sweet Peas below
Beth
How did you come to be an early year’s practitioner?
I have previously worked with people with learning difficulties which has a strong emphasis on the caring aspect. I had previously studied childcare in college and really enjoyed it – I love it!
What prompted the move to Sweet Peas?
When I felt it was the right time for a career change, I knew working in Early Years would fit well with the nature of my previous role and was really pleased to find that Sweet Peas has the same values that I find important.
What are the main benefits from working at Sweet Peas?
The wonderful children and the team members. The team members are so kind and supportive, they’ve allowed me to take great pride in helping the children.
Akib
How did you come to be an early years practitioner?
My personality matches my job role and my experiences with family and friend’s children have helped drive my decision to study Early Years in university. I enjoyed my placement working with children and knew I could build a career I would love.
What prompted the move to Sweet Peas?
I was keen to begin a career which related to what I had enjoyed and devoted my time to during my studies. Sweet Peas has really given me that chance.
What are the main benefits from working at Sweet Peas?
Sweet Peas is clearly a well recognised nursery and I love to watch children grow and develop. I get to work with a friendly team and great parents. Another key benefit is working 4 days a week, but with full time hours – and of course the delicious free lunches.
