Ready to start or grow your Early Years career?
Whether you’re taking the first step or looking to advance, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Upload your CV with Panda today.
Email: info@pandaearlyyears.com | Phone: 07763 709879
Early Years Recruitment Built by Early Years Experts
No upfront Fees, Just Results!
At Panda, we help exceptional educators find roles where they can thrive and support nurseries in building strong, happy, and high-performing teams. What makes our Early Years Recruitment agency different is simple: we’ve stood where you stand. Our recruitment service is run by qualified nursery professionals who know firsthand the challenges, pressures, and joys of early years settings.
We believe that every nursery is unique, and so are its staffing needs. That’s why we offer a flexible, tailored service designed to fit your specific requirements. Whether you’re looking for a full recruitment package or just need assistance with certain aspects, we’ve got you covered. Also, your trust truly matters to us, that’s why we’ve dedicated an entire page to our fees, so you can clearly understand our prices, process, and what to expect before even getting in touch. Your time matters and so do your children.
Most importantly, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We adhere strictly to the statutory requirements outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring that all our recruitment practices meet the highest standards. This includes comprehensive background checks and vetting procedures, aligning with Ofsted’s guidelines to keep children safe and secure .
With Panda, you’re not just hiring a recruiter you’re gaining a trusted partner who truly gets what matters in early years education.
What makes us different to other Early Years recruitment agencies
As Qualified Early Years Teachers ourselves, we have a deeper understanding of the Early Years landscape and the unique needs of both educators and settings, resulting in better, more meaningful matches that support lasting success.
For Nurseries
Grow your team with Panda Early Years.
We provide permanent and fixed-term placements through a comprehensive recruitment service shaped around your unique needs. Register your vacancy today.
For Candidates
Our full recruitment package.
The people we find, the work we do on your behalf
At Panda, we specialize in sourcing dedicated early years professionals for both permanent and fixed-term roles at all levels, offering full UK coverage. Reliable. Personal. Trusted.
We recruit for a wide range of nursery roles, always with professionalism, care, and your unique needs in mind. These include:
Here’s what we do on your behalf
Get in touch for a free consultation or, If you’re ready to get started, register your vacancy with us, we’ll contact you shortly to schedule your free consultation, no matter how long we chat, it’s all about understanding your needs and finding the best solution for you!
You’ll find more about how we support nurseries on our Recruitment Services page, along with a clear overview of our pricing on the Fees page.
Tailored Recruitment Service, Just for You.
At Panda, we understand that no two nurseries are the same. That’s why our recruitment service is built to be flexible, personal, and shaped entirely around your unique needs. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, no matter how long the conversation takes, because taking the time to understand your setting properly is how we get it right from the start.
We’re specialists in full-cycle recruitment, and since every nursery’s needs are different, our services can also be delivered individually for a fair, agreed price. That might mean handling pre-interviews and delivering a refined shortlist, crafting standout job ads to attract the right talent, or managing your job board listings with the same care and attention as if they were our own.
Every element of what we do, from job ad writing to pre-interview assessments, vetting checks, and onboarding support, is available à la carte or as part of a full recruitment package. You choose the support that works for you, and we deliver it with care, transparency, and genuine understanding of the early years sector.
Because great recruitment starts with listening!
Our Commitment to Safer Recruitment
At Panda, we take safeguarding seriously. As specialists in safer recruitment, we go beyond standard checks, every candidate undergoes a rigorous process, including an Enhanced DBS, barred list and probation checks, verified references, and a detailed pre-screening interview to ensure they meet the highest standards of trust and reliability.
We understand the immense responsibility early years settings carry when it comes to protecting children, and that’s why we treat safer recruitment with the utmost care and diligence. Every candidate we put forward is thoroughly vetted in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines and Ofsted expectations. This includes:
- Identity
A fully Enhanced DBS check and confirmation of right to work in the UK
Barred list check to ensure no restrictions on working with children
Two written references from the Candidate’s most recent professional experience.
Probation and employment history check
Evidence of relevant qualifications and relevant training certificates (including Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid)
- P45 or P46 (HMRC Starter Checklist) – collected for payroll readiness.
We don’t take shortcuts — we take responsibility. When you work with Panda, you can feel confident that every educator we introduce is someone you’d be proud to welcome into your team and into your children’s learning environment.
We Take References Seriously!
At Panda Early Years Recruitment, we go beyond basic reference checks. Our process is tailored to the candidate’s role, with dedicated forms for qualified professionals, apprentices, career-changers, and managerial roles. References are collected by phone or secure online form and cover key areas like safeguarding, early years practice, and Employment Performance. You can also request specific questions if there’s something important you’d like us to explore. It’s detailed, role-specific, and designed to give you real insight.
Are You an Early Years Professional?
We Can Help You Too!
We offer a range of tailored services you can choose from to help boost your early years career, from landing your ideal role to growing your skills with confidence. You’re also welcome to submit your CV to be considered for future early years opportunities.
Here’s how we can support your journey.
CV Writing & Design
We’ll transform your CV into a polished, professional document that truly showcases your skills and experience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need a refresh, we’ll make sure your CV stands out to employers and highlights exactly why you’re the right fit for the role. Read more.
Interview Prep & Mock Interview
Feeling nervous about interviews? We’ll help you prepare with tailored tips, practice questions, and a friendly mock interview to build your confidence. Get ready to impress any employer with strong answers and professional presence. Read more.
Cover Letter Support
Struggling to write the perfect cover letter? We’ll work with you to craft a compelling, personalized letter that tells your story and shows why you’re the best fit for the role you’re applying for—simple, clear, and effective. Read more.
1:1 Early Years Training For apprentices and Students
Perfect for apprentices and students wanting to grow confidence and competence fast. In this 90-minute bespoke session, we’ll focus on exactly what you need—whether it’s planning, observations, or core EYFS knowledge. Read more.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward your dream job in Early Years, feel free to upload your CV, we’d love to hear from you.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
For Nurseries
Do I need to pay any upfront fees?
No! At Panda, we believe in transparency and flexibility, your fee is only due once a candidate has accepted your offer. Payment is required within 7 days of receiving the invoice.
What is the cost of hiring a candidate?
At Panda Early Years Recruitment, we offer clear and competitive pricing. For permanent placements, we charge a flat 9% fee based on the candidate’s first annual salary—regardless of the role. For fixed-term placements, we offer flat fees:
• 1–2 months: £800
• 3–6 months: £1,200
• 7–12 months: £1,600
Our pricing is transparent from the start, with no hidden costs.
Will we receive proof of DBS and qualifications before the candidate starts?
Yes. Once a candidate accepts your offer, we collect and verify all required documentation—including their DBS certificate or Update Service check code, proof of ID and address, childcare qualifications, and safeguarding/first aid certificates—and deliver a full compliance pack to you before their start date.
What if it doesn’t work out and the candidate leaves after a few weeks?
In the unlikely event that a placement doesn’t work out, we offer one of the most competitive guarantees in the sector—100 days of cover with the option to choose between a replacement or a refund.
If you opt for a refund, our 14-week rebate policy applies as follows:
0–1 week: 100%
2–4 weeks: 70%
5–7 weeks: 50%
8–11 weeks: 25%
12–14 weeks: 10%
For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What safeguarding checks do you carry out before introducing a candidate?
Our recruitment process follows safer recruitment principles and is aligned with Ofsted guidance and the EYFS statutory framework, ensuring child protection and legal compliance every step of the way.
We conduct thorough pre-interviews to verbally confirm the candidate’s DBS status, right to work in the UK, childcare qualifications, and recent work experience. We also check for gaps in employment and any potential safeguarding concerns in line with safer recruitment best practices.
Prefer to talk to us or have some queries? You’re welcome to call or email us, we’ll be happy to assist you.
Email: info@pandaearlyyears.com or Call us: 07763 709879