Nursery Practitioner

Nursery Practitioner – Horsham, West Sussex RH12
Join an award-winning Forest and Farm School nursery setting near Southwater where childcare, outdoor learning, creativity, and child-led early years education are at the heart of daily practice.

Employment Type
Full-time, permanent Level 3 Nursery Practitioner opportunity within a nurseries & early years setting.
No sponsorship available for this role. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Salary
£27,000–£30,000 per year dependent on experience + benefits.

Pay & Benefits

• 80% childcare discount
• All-expenses-paid international CPD trips
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Wellbeing support and career growth
• Access to a health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Free parking and on-site parking
• Referral programme and sick pay
• Regular staff socials, fun days and meals out
• Long-service rewards and loyalty bonuses
• Career progression and internal promotion opportunities

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time, permanent role working Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 6:00pm.
Based in Horsham, West Sussex RH12 within a Forest School and farm-based nursery environment.

• Full-time only position
• Nursery operates 51 weeks per year
• In-person role based within the nursery setting
• Outdoor learning, Forest School and farm-based activities form part of the role
• Ongoing support through induction, mentoring and training

Job Description
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will join a creative Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex RH12, supporting children aged 6 months to 5 years through warm, nurturing and engaging early years practice.This Level 3 Nursery Practitioner role is based within a child-led childcare and early years setting inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, outdoor learning and Forest School education.Children take part in outdoor play, Forest School experiences and farm-based activities, supported by a team that values creativity, curiosity, family partnerships and high-quality EYFS learning.

The nursery also features dedicated creative studios known as Ateliers, where children are encouraged to explore imagination, expression and independent thinking through meaningful projects and hands-on learning. This is an excellent opportunity for a Nursery Practitioner or Early Years Educator who is passionate about childcare, EYFS, safeguarding, outdoor learning and helping young children develop confidence, curiosity and independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support children aged 6 months to 5 years with their learning and development
• Create a warm, stimulating, safe and inclusive nursery environment
• Engage children in outdoor play, Forest School and farm-based activities
• Observe and track children’s development, helping them meet key milestones
• Support an inspiring, child-led EYFS curriculum
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and families
• Work closely with colleagues to provide consistent high-quality childcare
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and safe working practices at all times
• Encourage creativity, independence, imaginative play and curiosity
• Maintain accurate observations, communication and nursery documentation

Requirements

• Permanent right to work in the UK with no sponsorship requirement
• Level 3 or above Childcare qualification is required
• Previous early years, nursery or childcare experience is required
• Passion for Early Years, EYFS, Forest School and outdoor learning
• Good understanding of safeguarding, child development and high-quality nursery practice
• Caring, positive and team-focused approach
• Ability to work independently while contributing confidently as part of the wider nursery team
• Also suitable for: Nursery Practitioner, Level 3 Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Nursery Nurse, Childcare Practitioner, Preschool Assistant, EYFS Practitioner, Nursery Assistant, Early Childhood Educator, Key Worker

Company Culture
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be joining a fun, creative and nature-loving nursery team where professional development, wellbeing, outdoor learning and child-led education are genuinely valued. The setting has a strong culture of support, mentoring and progression. After a 3-month induction, staff are enrolled in a dedicated Training Academy with 12 practical, self-paced modules designed to support development as an Outstanding Early Years Educator.

The nursery environment is warm, imaginative and hands-on, with a strong focus on Forest School, farm-based learning, Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, creative studios, outdoor exploration and meaningful relationships with families.

Apply Today
If you are a passionate Nursery Practitioner looking to grow your early years career within a supportive Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex RH12, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a setting where your skills, creativity and commitment to children’s development will be genuinely valued.

Apply today to take the next step in your childcare career within a supportive, creative and development-focused nursery environment. Interviews are taking place as applications are reviewed.

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