Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

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

Job summary

Akeley Wood Junior School, part of Blenheim, is seeking an enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner to join our Early Years team at Akeley Wood Nursery. You will provide high‑quality care and support creative, age‑appropriate activities for our youngest pupils.

You will work 40 hours per week from 8am–5pm or 9am–6pm on a rotating schedule, with 52 weeks per year. The role offers a nurturing environment, professional development and a chance to begin or progress a rewarding early childhood career.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Strong communication with colleagues and parents.
• Understanding safeguarding and safe working practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children in our Nursery.
• Support planning and delivery of age-appropriate activities.
• Build warm relationships with children and families, ensuring clear communication.
• Act as a Key Worker, observe and document progress with care.
• Model a nurturing approach and promote positive behaviour.
• Maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment with high standards of hygiene.
• Support daily routines including meals, rest, play and transitions.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create a welcoming, inclusive setting.

Skills

Nursery experience

Communication with parents

Safeguarding knowledge

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

About Akeley Wood Junior School

Akeley Wood, part of Blenheim, is a thriving co-educational independent school set across two beautiful campuses in the Buckinghamshire countryside. We educate pupils from 12 months to 18 years, offering a warm, inclusive and ambitious environment where every child is known and supported to achieve their best.

We provide inspiring spaces for learning, from woodland outdoor areas to specialist classrooms, creative arts studios and modern sports facilities. We are proud of our strong pastoral culture, our focus on individual strengths and our commitment to helping pupils grow into confident, curious and compassionate young people.

Joining Akeley Wood School means becoming a part of a dedicated collaborative team who believe in high expectations, meaningful relationships and the transformative power of education.

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, age‑appropriate 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

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.