Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Blenheim Schools; Beachampton; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Blenheim Schools is hiring a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner for Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School in Buckingham, MK19 6DA. This 40-hour-per-week role is permanent, with a December 2026 start, and applications from UK residents only.

The post requires a Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification, a caring, energetic approach, and strong communication with children and families. Join a nurturing team that values safeguarding and development.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification is essential.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of child development and safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, happy and engaging environment where children can thrive.
• Deliver play-based activities that support learning and development.
• Support children's social, emotional and educational growth.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Act as a Key Person, observe progress and celebrate achievements.
• Promote wellbeing and safeguarding at all times.
• Work collaboratively as part of a dedicated Early Years team.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification

Job description

Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters.

Job Title: Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Location: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Buckingham, MK19 6DA

Salary: Up to £29,500 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | 52 Weeks

Start: December 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About The School - 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 students 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 students 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.

Role Purpose

Do you love seeing children grow in confidence, curiosity and independence?

We're looking for a nurturing and enthusiastic Level 3 Nursery Practitioner to join our welcoming nursery team. This is more than a childcare role. It's an opportunity to create magical learning experiences, build meaningful relationships with children and families, and help lay the foundations for a lifetime of learning.

You’ll join a supportive team that values creativity, celebrates new ideas, and is committed to providing exceptional care and education for every child.

What You Will Be Doing

• Creating a safe, happy and engaging environment where children can thrive
• Delivering fun, play‑based activities that inspire learning and development
• Supporting children's social, emotional and educational growth
• Building positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Acting as a Key Person, observing progress and celebrating achievements
• Promoting children's wellbeing, safety and safeguarding at all times
• Working collaboratively as part of a passionate Early Years team

What You Will Bring

• A Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification (essential)
• A genuine passion for supporting young children to reach their potential
• A warm, caring and energetic approach
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• An understanding of child development and safeguarding practices
• Previous nursery experience is desirable but not essential

About Blenheim

Blenheim Schools is a growing family of innovative, high‑quality independent schools committed to enabling outstanding futures for every student. Our ethos centres on truly understanding each child, their talents, character and aspirations by providing a personalised, ambitious education that helps every child to thrive.

We deliver a broad, enriching curriculum supported by tailored teaching and exceptional pastoral care. We celebrate individuality, nurture confidence and champion every learner so they can discover their strengths and achieve their potential.

Joining Blenheim Schools means becoming part of a collaborative, forward‑thinking community that values creativity, inclusion and professional growth. Our teams are united by a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and by a commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for students and families.

We are proud to be part of OFG Education, which in 2025 was officially certified as a Great Place to Work® for the sixth consecutive year.