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. As an Atelierista (Creative Early Years Educator) in Horsham, West Sussex, RH12, you will bring art, creative enquiry and child-led learning to life within a Reggio Emilia-inspired nursery featuring dedicated Ateliers, Forest School and Farm School experiences. This role suits an imaginative early years professional who values creativity, nature and meaningful relationships with children.

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, RH12

• Flexible full-time or part-time working opportunities available
• Creative role within a Reggio Emilia-inspired nurseries & early years and childcare setting
• Work collaboratively with educators, children and families
• Purpose-designed indoor and outdoor environments with 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 (Creative Early Years Educator), you will deliver creative, child-led learning experiences within a Reggio Emilia-inspired nursery in Horsham. You will curate and continually develop an engaging Atelier where thoughtfully chosen materials invite children to experiment, investigate, create and communicate their ideas. Working alongside early years educators, children and families, you will use observation and documentation to make learning visible and help shape long-term projects around children's interests. The setting combines dedicated creative spaces with Forest School and Farm School experiences, providing a distinctive environment for someone passionate about childcare, artistic exploration and innovative nurseries & early years practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate engaging artistic, creative and sensory learning experiences
• Curate, organise and continually develop the Atelier and its creative resources
• Encourage children's creativity through open-ended exploration, experimentation and enquiry
• Collaborate with educators to embed creative learning across the curriculum
• Observe, document and celebrate children's ideas, development and learning journeys
• Contribute to long-term project work shaped by children's interests and emerging ideas
• Introduce children to a broad range of creative materials, media and artistic techniques
• Build positive and respectful relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion, wellbeing and high standards of childcare practice
• Contribute to reflective practice, continuous learning and innovation across the nursery

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Level 3 Early Years qualification or above is desirable rather than essential. A background in fine art, design or another relevant creative discipline would also be welcomed.
• Previous experience working with young children in an educational or childcare environment is preferred.
• A strong understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, emergent curriculum and the role of the Atelier.
• Ability to facilitate creative enquiry, document children's learning and develop inspiring learning environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a reflective approach and genuine passion for nurturing children's creativity.
• Able to manage projects and creative resources proactively while working effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Also suitable for: Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Teacher, Reggio Emilia Practitioner, Art Educator, Forest School Leader.

Company Culture
As an Atelierista (Creative Early Years Educator), you will be joining a thoughtful and highly creative nursery environment where children are viewed as capable, curious learners and educators work alongside them as partners in discovery. The setting combines inspiring indoor spaces with dedicated Ateliers, Forest School and Farm School experiences, while strong family partnerships help shape each child's learning journey. You will work within a collaborative culture that values imagination, reflection and professional growth, supported by ongoing training, study opportunities and access to experienced creative professionals.

Apply Today
Your creativity, understanding of child-led learning and ability to inspire meaningful exploration will be valued in this Atelierista (Creative Early Years Educator) role. Join a supportive early years setting in Horsham, RH12, where you can develop your practice, contribute your own ideas and help children express their thinking through art, nature and creative enquiry. Apply today to take the next step in your early years career.

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