Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

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

Job summary

Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School in Buckinghamshire is seeking a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner to join our nurturing team. This 40-hour, Monday-to-Friday role is permanent and operates across 52 weeks, with a salary up to £29,500 depending on experience.

You'll provide high-quality care and education, act as a Key Person, support children's development, and work closely with families and colleagues to create a warm learning environment.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification is essential.
• Experience in nursery settings is advantageous but not essential.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child development best practices.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, happy and engaging environment for children to thrive.
• Deliver play-based activities that support development and learning.
• Support social, emotional and educational growth of children.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Act as a Key Person and observe progress and achievements.
• Promote wellbeing, safety and safeguarding at all times.
• Collaborate with the Early Years team to deliver high-quality provision.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Energetic approach

Team player

Education

A 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.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

Up to £29,500 per annum (depending on experience)