Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Blenheim Schools; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Blenheim Schools is hiring a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner for Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School in Buckingham. The role involves delivering high‑quality care and education for children from 12 months to 4 years, acting as a key worker, and supporting imaginative activities within a nurturing environment.

The position offers a permanent, 52‑week contract with 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, either 8am–5pm or 9am–6pm.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Warm, empathetic and energetic approach to working with young children.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and parents.
• Understanding of safeguarding, child development and safe working practices.
• Flexibility, resilience and a genuine passion for helping children flourish.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children in our Nursery.
• Support the planning and delivery of creative activities tailored to individual needs.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families, ensuring clear and positive communication.
• Act as a Key Worker, observing and documenting each child’s progress with care and accuracy.
• Model a calm, nurturing approach and promote positive behaviour.
• Maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment with consistently high standards of care and hygiene.
• Support daily routines including mealtimes, rest, play and transitions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a welcoming, inclusive and supportive setting.

Skills

Nursery experience

Communication skills

Safeguarding

Empathy & patience

Teamwork

Job description

Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters.

Job Title: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Location: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, Buckingham

Salary: Up to £29,500 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am–5pm or 9am–6pm

Contract: Permanent | 52 weeks

Akeley Wood Junior School is a warm, vibrant and caring community set within stunning rural surroundings near Buckingham. Our Nursery provides a joyful, stimulating and secure space where pupils between 12 months to 4 years can explore, play and learn with confidence.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, caring and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our Early Years team. We are also open to applications from apprentices, making this a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to begin, or further develop, a rewarding career in early childhood education.

The Role

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will:

• Provide high‑quality physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children in our Nursery.
• Support the planning and delivery of creative activities tailored to individual needs.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families, ensuring clear and positive communication.
• Act as a Key Worker, observing and documenting each child’s progress with care and accuracy.
• Model a calm, nurturing approach and promote positive behaviour.
• Maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment with consistently high standards of care and hygiene.
• Support daily routines including mealtimes, rest, play and transitions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a welcoming, inclusive and supportive setting.

Our Nursery operates for 51 weeks of the year, with shift patterns of 8.00am–5.00pm or 9.00am–6.00pm on a weekly rota.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• A warm, empathetic and energetic approach to working with young children.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and parents.
• An understanding of safeguarding, child development and safe working practices.
• Flexibility, resilience and a genuine passion for helping children flourish.

Experience supporting children with SEND or additional qualifications such as First Aid would be an advantage.

Why Join Akeley Wood Junior School?

You’ll join a dedicated, friendly and supportive Early Years team who share a deep commitment to nurturing young children and helping them grow into confident, curious learners.

You will enjoy:

• A caring, highly supportive working environment
• A beautiful, nature-rich setting to enhance learning
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• A team culture built on collaboration, creativity and kindness

Safeguarding Commitment

Akeley Wood School and Blenheim Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff must follow safeguarding policies and complete relevant training. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and social media checks.