Level 2/3 Nursery Practitioner

The Old Station Nursery Group; Whitstable; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare first month

52% childcare discount

Holiday entitlement 31 days + birthday

National College training access

Volunteer day

Perkbox discounts

Blue Light Card discounts

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Whitstable is hiring a qualified Nursery Practitioner in Whitstable. You will help create moments that build confidence, curiosity, and belonging while supporting children through play and daily routines.

You must hold Level 2/3 EY qualification or QTS. Expect a warm, collaborative team, opportunities for development, and strong safeguarding commitments in this seaside setting.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification or QTS.
• Understanding of the EYFS and how children learn through play and everyday experiences.
• Caring, attentive approach that recognises each child’s individuality.
• Creativity and curiosity, with a willingness to follow children’s interests.
• Confidence building positive relationships with families and colleagues.
• Commitment to safeguarding and maintaining high standards of care.
• Collaborative approach, open to feedback and ongoing learning.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves.
• Plan engaging, play-based experiences aligned with the EYFS and children’s interests.
• Observe development, record progress, and use insights to guide next steps.
• Build trusting relationships with families and share updates.
• Support daily routines, meals, personal care, and rest with patience.
• Keep safeguarding, safety, hygiene and wellbeing at the heart of the work.
• Collaborate with colleagues, mentor apprentices and volunteers, and learn from others.

Skills

EYFS understanding

Caring approach

Creativity

Communication with families

Safeguarding

Collaborative mindset

Education

Level 2/Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Join Our Team as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner

Help little humans discover their world -and keep growing in yours.

As a Nursery Practitioner, you’ll help create the everyday moments that build children’s confidence, curiosity, and sense of belonging.

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing — little humans and big humans alike. As a Level 2 or Level 3 Qualified Nursery Practitioner at Whitstable, you’ll bring your skills, ideas, and care to a community where every child is known and every colleague has something meaningful to contribute.

We’ll support you to develop your practice, share what you know, and feel proud of the difference you make.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.

• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.

• Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.

• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.

• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.

• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay:£13.06 - £13.24 £27,164 - £27,539 per annumbased on experience (40 hours)

Hours:38.5hours per week, Monday–Friday.

Location

The Old Station Nursery Whitstable, Whitstable Railway Station
Railway Avenue
Whitstable
Kent
CT5 1QS

Where You'll Be Working

Located in the lovely seaside town of Whitstable, our nursery was formerly the Whitstable Railway Station. Our three open plan ground floor rooms are full of engaging resources, all designed to create a home-from-home nursery environment. We love to explore the local area with the children and will go on frequent outings; making the most of our seaside location with walks to the beach as well as the harbour, library and park. Our friendly, positive team, enjoy staff days out and employee appreciation too! Please note we also have free on-site free parking and we are located next to the train station and bus stop. We look forward to hearing from you!

What You'll Be Doing

You’ll support children through play, care, and connection, getting to know their interests, noticing their progress, and helping them feel confident to try something new.

One moment you might be following a trail of curious questions in the garden. The next, you could be sharing a story, helping with lunchtime, or celebrating a child putting on their coat independently.

Your role will include:

• Creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves

• Planning and supporting engaging, play-based experiences aligned with the EYFS and shaped around children’s interests and needs

• Observing children’s development, recording meaningful progress, and using what you learn to support their next steps

• Building trusting relationships with families, sharing updates and listening to what matters to them

• Supporting everyday routines, including meals, personal care, and rest, with patience and attention to each child

• Keeping safeguarding, safety, hygiene, and children’s wellbeing at the heart of your work

• Working closely with colleagues, sharing ideas, and offering guidance to apprentices and volunteers while learning from others

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As a practitioner, that means following through with care, listening to children and colleagues, and turning good ideas into experiences that help children grow.

What We’re Looking For

You must hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to be considered for this role.

You’ll also bring:

• An understanding of the EYFS and how children learn through play and everyday experiences

• A caring, attentive approach that recognises each child’s individuality

• Creativity and curiosity, with a willingness to follow children’s interests

• Confidence building positive relationships with families and colleagues

• A commitment to safeguarding and maintaining high standards of care

• A collaborative approach, with openness to feedback and enthusiasm for your own learning

We’re looking for someone who notices the little things, celebrates progress, and understands how much a caring, consistent adult can mean to a child.

If you have any questions about the role, our Recruitment Team will be happy to help at [e-mail].

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.