Nursery Practitioner

Nursery Practitioner – Crawley, West Sussex, RH10

Help children turn everyday discoveries into creative learning at a nursery with free-flow gardens, neighbouring woodland and a dedicated Atelier studio. This Nursery Practitioner position in Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 combines attentive childcare with a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach for children aged three months to five years. It suits experienced practitioners who enjoy building relationships, encouraging independence and following children's interests through indoor and outdoor play.

Employment Type
Full-time, permanent, working at the nursery.

Salary
£26,500-£28,000 per annum, depending on qualification and experience, + benefits.
Level 2 practitioners: £26,500-£27,000 per annum.
Level 3 practitioners: £27,000-£28,000 per annum.

Benefits
The employer advertises the following benefits and development package. Eligibility, availability and current terms for this position need to be confirmed during recruitment.

• 80% childcare discount.
• A £1,000 welcome bonus, subject to eligibility and availability.
• 33 days' annual leave including bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell leave.
• Seasonal bonuses, employee reward schemes and long-service rewards.
• Wellbeing support, an Employee Assistance Programme and healthcare cash plan.
• Staff socials, fun days and team meals.
• International CPD opportunities and professional learning trips.
• Fully funded further education and leadership development opportunities.
• An advertised induction and 12-module training academy pathway, with dedicated mentor support.
• A CPD Tracker, individual development reviews and three group CPD inset days each year.
• Career development and internal promotion opportunities.
• Christmas shopping support and opportunities to work alongside professional artists in creative Ateliers.

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time, permanent employment.
Based at the nursery in Crawley, RH10.

• 40 hours per week.
• Hours worked on a rota basis.
• In-person nursery work supporting children across indoor and outdoor activities.

Job Description
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will deliver responsive care and help children develop through purposeful play within the RH10 nursery team. You will work with colleagues to understand children's needs, support their growing independence and maintain positive relationships with families.
The nursery's approach connects exploration with creative enquiry. Children can investigate the garden and natural surroundings, then develop their ideas through activities and longer projects in the Atelier. Within nurseries & early years, this offers practitioners a setting where everyday care and learning through children's interests sit alongside each other.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide attentive daily care that helps children feel safe, settled and included.
• Support play experiences that respond to children's interests and individual development.
• Observe children's participation and progress to help shape suitable next steps in learning.
• Encourage communication, confidence and independence through everyday interactions and routines.
• Help children explore outdoor spaces safely, supporting curiosity about the natural world.
• Contribute to creative activities and projects that allow children to express and investigate their ideas.
• Share relevant information with families and colleagues to support consistent care and learning.
• Follow the nursery's safeguarding, care and safety procedures to maintain a secure environment.

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Level 2 and Level 3 childcare qualifications are welcomed. Experienced applicants without a formal qualification may be considered individually.
• Practical experience working as a nursery practitioner and an understanding of daily nursery care.
• Enthusiasm for early childhood development, outdoor learning and play shaped by children's interests.
• The ability to respond to individual care needs, support purposeful activities and communicate observations about children's development.
• A warm, relationship-led approach to children and families.
• The ability to take responsibility for your daily practice within the nursery team and attend the setting for the agreed 40-hour rota.
• Also suitable for: Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Nursery Nurse, Childcare Practitioner.

Company Culture
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be part of a team that gives children's ideas time and attention. Educators use a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to encourage enquiry, with creative projects developing from what children notice, ask and explore. The setting combines outdoor space with opportunities to work alongside an in-house artist. Staff learning is also part of the group's approach, with mentoring and development conversations described as ways to help practitioners reflect on their work and consider their next steps.

Apply Today
Apply today for this Nursery Practitioner position in Crawley if you bring practical nursery experience and enjoy supporting children through relationships, creativity and outdoor play. Include your qualification level, recent room or age-group experience and availability for the 40-hour rota. Level 2 and Level 3 practitioners are welcome, with individual consideration for experienced applicants without a formal qualification. A visit may help you understand the setting and discuss how your experience fits its approach.

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

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