Nursery Practitioner

Nursery Practitioner – Southwater, West Sussex, RH13

Outdoor discovery and creative learning shape this Nursery Practitioner position in Southwater, West Sussex, RH13. You will support children aged three months to five years in a Reggio Emilia-inspired nursery, where garden exploration and Atelier projects help children follow their interests. The setting also offers Forest School sessions for children aged three and over in private woodland. This position suits experienced practitioners who value relationships and learning through play.

Employment Type
Full-time, permanent, based 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

• 80% childcare discount, subject to eligibility and scheme terms.
• International CPD opportunities to broaden your early years practice.
• Opportunities to undertake fully funded further education.
• Employee reward schemes, bonuses and Christmas shopping support, subject to current policy.
• Professional development supported by a CPD Tracker and individual role reviews.
• Three group CPD inset days annually.
• Internal progression opportunities within the nursery group.
• A setting with a landscaped garden and dedicated Atelier studio, where children work alongside professional artists.

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time, permanent employment.
Based in Southwater, RH13.

• 40 hours per week.
• Working hours arranged on a rota basis.
• In-person nursery work incorporating indoor and outdoor learning experiences.

Job Description
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will deliver attentive childcare and support learning that grows from children's interests. Working within the RH13 nursery team, you will help children build confidence, independence and relationships through everyday care, purposeful play and creative exploration.
The setting connects nursery activities with outdoor experiences, including Forest School provision for older children. You will contribute practical nursery experience and a thoughtful approach to understanding each child's development. For practitioners working in nurseries & early years, the emphasis is on helping children investigate ideas, make discoveries and revisit their experiences through play.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide responsive daily care that helps children feel secure, included and ready to learn.
• Support play and learning experiences that reflect children's interests and developmental needs.
• Observe how children engage with activities and use those observations to inform their next learning experiences.
• Encourage children's communication, independence and positive relationships through everyday interactions.
• Help children explore the garden and outdoor environment safely, supporting curiosity and appropriate challenge.
• Contribute to creative activities and projects that allow children to express and develop their ideas.
• Build constructive relationships with families and colleagues, sharing relevant information about children's care and learning.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment and follow the nursery's safeguarding and care procedures.

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 familiarity with daily nursery care.
• A genuine interest in early years development, outdoor learning and experiences led by children's interests.
• The ability to respond to children's needs, support purposeful play and communicate useful observations about their development.
• A warm approach that builds positive relationships with 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 nursery community that encourages children to ask questions, explore possibilities and develop their own ideas. Colleagues use a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to connect experiences outdoors with creative investigation back in the nursery. Relationship-led practice matters here, alongside a willingness to reflect, exchange ideas and keep learning. The wider group's staff development approach provides opportunities to discuss individual progress and future aspirations.

Apply Today
Apply today for this Nursery Practitioner position in Southwater if you enjoy working closely with children and want outdoor discovery to be part of your nursery practice. Share your experience, qualification level and availability so your suitability for the setting can be discussed. Applications are welcomed from Level 2 and Level 3 practitioners, with individual consideration available for experienced candidates without a formal qualification.

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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