Atelierista (Creative Early Years Educator)

Atelierista (Creative Early Years Educator) – Horsham, West Sussex (RH12)
Imagine a role where children's ideas, imagination and creativity genuinely shape every day. This is a rare opportunity to become an Atelierista within an award-winning Reggio Emilia-inspired nursery, where art, Forest School, Farm School and child-led discovery come together to create extraordinary learning experiences. If you believe children express themselves in a hundred different ways and want to inspire curiosity through creativity, nature and meaningful relationships, this could be the role you've been searching for.

Employment Type
Permanent position available on either a full-time or part-time basis.
No sponsorship available for this role. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Salary
£29,000 – £33,000 per annum, dependent on experience + benefits.

Benefits

• Extensive professional development with paid training
• Study trips and international learning opportunities
• 80% childcare discount for team members
• Purpose-designed learning environments with dedicated Ateliers
• Access to professional artists and creative specialists
• Supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Company pension
• Free on-site parking
• Employee discounts, referral programme and company events
• Discounted or free food and sick pay

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Permanent | Full-time or Part-time
Based in Horsham, West Sussex (RH12)

• Flexible full-time or part-time working opportunities available
• Creative role within a Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare and nurseries & early years setting
• Work collaboratively with educators, children and families
• Purpose-designed indoor and outdoor learning environments featuring dedicated Ateliers, Forest School and Farm School experiences
• Participation in long-term child-led project work with ongoing professional development

Job Description
As an Atelierista, you will inspire creativity, curiosity and meaningful learning through artistic exploration within a highly regarded nurseries & early years setting in Horsham, West Sussex (RH12). This role would suit a creative Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Teacher, Art Educator or Forest School Leader who is passionate about child-led learning, creative enquiry and the Reggio Emilia approach. You will curate and develop an inspiring Atelier where carefully selected materials encourage experimentation, imagination and discovery. Through thoughtful observation and documentation, you will help make children's learning visible while supporting long-term projects that reflect their interests and emerging ideas. The setting offers beautiful outdoor learning environments, Forest School and Farm School experiences, dedicated creative studios and a strong commitment to reflective practice, making this an outstanding opportunity for someone passionate about childcare, creativity and innovative early years education.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate inspiring artistic and sensory learning experiences
• Curate, organise and continually develop the Atelier environment
• Support children's creativity through open-ended exploration and enquiry
• Collaborate with educators to embed creativity across the curriculum
• Observe, document and celebrate children's learning journeys
• Support long-term project work inspired by children's interests
• Encourage exploration using a wide range of creative materials and artistic techniques
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion, wellbeing and high standards of childcare practice
• Contribute to a reflective culture focused on continuous learning and innovation

Requirements

• Sponsorship / Right to Work: Permanent right to work in the UK is required. No sponsorship available.
• Qualification: Level 3 Early Years qualification or above is desirable alongside a background in fine art, design or a related creative discipline.
• Experience Level: Previous experience working with young children within an educational or childcare environment is preferred.
• Specialism: Strong understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, emergent curriculum and the role of the Atelier.
• Capability: Able to facilitate creative enquiry, document learning and develop inspiring learning environments.
• Soft Skill: Excellent communication, collaboration and reflective practice with a passion for nurturing children's creativity.
• Independence: Able to manage projects, organise creative resources and work proactively while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
• Also suitable for: Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Level 3 Nursery Practitioner, Senior Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Teacher, Creative Early Years Educator, Reggio Emilia Practitioner, Atelier Teacher, Art Educator, Creative Learning Practitioner, Forest School Leader, Outdoor Learning Practitioner, Early Years Artist.

Company Culture
As an Atelierista, you will be joining a warm, thoughtful and highly creative nursery environment inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, where children are viewed as capable, curious learners and educators work alongside them as partners in discovery. Set within beautiful natural surroundings, the Horsham nursery combines inspiring indoor learning spaces with dedicated Ateliers, Forest School and Farm School experiences that encourage children to explore nature, animals, growing, making and creative expression every day. Family partnerships are at the heart of the setting, with strong relationships between children, parents and educators helping to shape each child's learning journey. You will become part of a collaborative team that values imagination, reflection and continuous professional growth, with access to ongoing training, study opportunities, experienced creative professionals and a culture where creativity is woven into everyday practice rather than treated as a standalone activity. Your ideas, observations and passion for inspiring children will be genuinely valued as you help bring learning to life in meaningful, visible and memorable ways.

Apply Today
If you are passionate about creativity, child-led learning and helping children express themselves through meaningful artistic experiences, this could be the perfect next step in your career. Join an inspiring early years setting in Horsham, West Sussex (RH12) where your creativity will be valued, your professional development supported and your contribution will make a lasting difference to children's lives. Apply today.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early interest is warmly encouraged.

Contact Details
Recruit by Nature
George Francis
George@recruitbynature.co.uk
Direct Line: 0118 334 8424
WhatsApp: 07782217154