Nursery Practitioner

Nursery Practitioner – Horsham, West Sussex, RH12

This Nursery Practitioner position in Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 combines practical childcare with a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to early learning. Working with children aged three months to five years, you will help their interests develop through play, creative projects and outdoor discovery. The nursery has a farm garden and dedicated Atelier studios, making it well suited to experienced practitioners who enjoy following children's curiosity.

Employment Type
Full-time, permanent, working on site.

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 the employer's scheme terms.
• International CPD and professional travel opportunities.
• Opportunities for fully funded further education.
• Reward schemes, bonuses and Christmas shopping support, subject to current scheme terms.
• Personal development supported by a CPD Tracker and role-specific reviews.
• Three group CPD inset days each year.
• Internal career development and progression opportunities.
• A creative working environment with professional artists and dedicated Atelier studios.
• Daily opportunities to support outdoor learning in a nursery with a farm garden and edible growing area.

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time, permanent employment.
Based at the nursery in the Horsham RH12 area.

• 40 hours per week.
• Hours worked on a rota basis.
• In-person work with the nursery team and children throughout your scheduled shifts.

Job Description
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will deliver thoughtful early years care and learning within a nursery that places children's ideas at the centre of its approach. Based in RH12, you will work with colleagues to provide a safe, welcoming environment for babies, toddlers and preschool children, building relationships with families and using observations to understand each child's development.
The setting brings together creative studio work, outdoor exploration and practical experiences with nature. For candidates working in nurseries & early years, this offers a chance to develop child-led projects over time while maintaining the everyday care, communication and safeguarding that good childcare requires.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide warm, attentive care that responds to children's individual needs and stages of development.
• Plan and support play experiences shaped by children's interests, questions and ideas.
• Observe children's learning and record progress to inform appropriate next steps.
• Create safe, stimulating indoor and outdoor environments that encourage exploration.
• Support creative projects and age-appropriate experiences with the nursery's garden, growing areas and farm environment.
• Build positive relationships with parents and carers, sharing information about children's experiences and development.
• Work with colleagues to deliver a consistent, child-led approach across daily nursery routines.
• Follow EYFS, safeguarding and health and safety procedures to protect children's wellbeing.

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualification is welcomed. Experienced applicants without a formal qualification may be considered individually.
• Practical experience working as a nursery practitioner, with an understanding of daily nursery care and routines.
• An interest in early years development, child-led learning and outdoor experiences; previous Reggio Emilia or Forest School experience is desirable rather than essential.
• The ability to support children's learning, make useful observations and apply EYFS and safeguarding principles.
• A warm, relationship-led approach to children, families and colleagues.
• The ability to take responsibility for your day-to-day 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 treats children's curiosity as a starting point for learning. Educators listen, observe and develop ideas together, allowing projects to grow through purposeful play rather than relying solely on adult-directed activities. The nursery's Reggio Emilia-inspired approach connects creativity, nature and family relationships, while the wider group's development programmes give practitioners opportunities to reflect on their work and build their skills.

Apply Today
Apply today for this Nursery Practitioner position in Horsham if you bring practical nursery experience and enjoy helping children learn through their own interests. Level 2 and Level 3 practitioners are welcome, and experienced applicants without a formal qualification can be considered individually. Share your relevant experience, qualification level and availability so your suitability for the setting and its 40-hour rota can be discussed.

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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