Early Years Practitioner

The Danesfield Manor School; Walton-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Refer-a-friend bonus

Health plan and wellbeing benefits

Career progression

Job summary

Danesfield Manor School & Nursery in Walton-on-Thames is seeking a dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our expanding nursery team. You will create engaging, play-based experiences and support children aged 6 months to 11 years within a nurturing setting.

Responsibilities include observing progress, planning next steps under EYFS, and collaborating with staff and families to foster confidence and love of learning. Salary up to £30,051 DOE, with extensive development opportunities.

Qualifications

• DfE-approved Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Experience in nursery or Early Years setting.
• Good knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and child development.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences for each child.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued and curious.
• Observe and assess progress using the EYFS to plan next steps.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers to support development.
• Maintain accurate observations and learning records for future planning.
• Work with colleagues to uphold high standards of care and education.
• Support safeguarding, health and safety and overall wellbeing.

Skills

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Creativity

Resilience

Enthusiasm

Passion for early years

Education

DfE-approved Level 2/3 EY qualification

Job description

Danesfield Manor School & Nursery | Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

Permanent | Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week | Up to £30,051 per annum (DOE)

Looking for a nursery where you can grow alongside the children you inspire?

At Danesfield Manor School & Nursery, we're passionate about giving every child the very best start in life—and we know that starts with exceptional Early Years professionals.

This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to expand our nursery provision, creating new opportunities for both children and our team. If you're a caring, enthusiastic and qualified Early Years Practitioner looking to be part of a growing nursery where your ideas, experience and passion will make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Located in the heart of Walton-on-Thames, Danesfield Manor School is a thriving independent school educating children from 6 months to 11 years. Our nursery provides a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where children develop confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. As part of the Inspired Learning Group, you'll enjoy the close-knit feel of a welcoming school community while benefiting from excellent professional development and career progression opportunities across a wider family of schools and nurseries.

What you'll be doing

As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll play a key role in creating an inspiring environment where children feel safe, happy and excited to learn.

You'll:

• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences that support each child's individual interests and stage of development.
• Create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, encouraged and confident to explore.
• Observe, assess and celebrate children's progress, using the EYFS framework to plan meaningful next steps in learning.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children, parents and carers, working in partnership to support every child's development.
• Support children's emotional wellbeing, communication, independence and social development through warm, responsive interactions.
• Maintain accurate observations, assessments and learning records to celebrate children's achievements and inform future planning.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain consistently high standards of care, education and professionalism across the nursery.
• Support the Early Years Manager and Deputy Manager in maintaining an outstanding learning environment and contributing to the ongoing development of the nursery.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and children's wellbeing remain central to everything you do.
• Embrace the school's nurturing ethos and growth mindset, helping children become confident, curious and resilient learners.

We're looking for someone who has:

• A DfE-approved Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Previous experience working within a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Good knowledge of the EYFS, child development and safeguarding.
• A warm, caring and enthusiastic approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Creativity, resilience and a genuine passion for providing outstanding early years education.
• Excitement about joining a growing nursery and helping shape its future.

Why join Danesfield Manor School & Nursery?

We believe our people are our greatest asset, so we're committed to supporting your wellbeing, professional development and career aspirations.

We offer:

• Salary up to £30,051 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
• A friendly, welcoming and supportive team.
• The opportunity to join an expanding nursery at an exciting stage of its development.
• Nursery or school fee discount.
• Refer-a-friend bonus of up to £750.
• Comprehensive health plan, including optical, dental, therapy treatments, health club concessions and access to DoctorLine worldwide.
• Access to MRI, CT and PET scans through our healthcare provision.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Westfield Rewards, offering discounts across a wide range of high street and online retailers.
• Ongoing training, CPD and career progression opportunities across Inspired Learning Group.
• The opportunity to work in a beautiful independent school with excellent facilities and outdoor learning spaces.

For more information, please contact Danielle on 07542 605096 or [e-mail].

Safeguarding Statement

Danesfield Manor School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo enhanced DBS clearance, identity, qualification and employment checks, including exploration of any gaps in employment and the receipt of two satisfactory references.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.