Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Blenheim Schools; Northampton; 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. The role is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a permanent 52-week contract and a start in October 2026.

The successful candidate will be qualified to Level 3 in Childcare or Early Years, with a passion for early development, safeguarding, and building strong relationships with families and staff. UK applicants only; sponsorship not provided.

Qualifications

• Qualified to Level 3 in Childcare or Early Years required.
• Experience supporting children with SEND is beneficial.
• Paediatric First Aid would be beneficial, but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Creating a nurturing, fun and engaging environment where children feel safe, happy and valued.
• Supporting children's learning and development through play-based activities and experiences.
• Building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Acting as a Key Worker, observing, tracking and celebrating children's progress.
• Supporting daily routines including play, mealtimes, rest and transitions.
• Promoting positive behaviour and helping children develop confidence and independence.
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, health, safety and wellbeing.
• Working collaboratively as part of a friendly and supportive nursery team.

Skills

Level 3 Childcare

Early Years

SEND experience

Communication with families

Education

Paediatric First Aid

Job description

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

October 2026

Eligibility

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 belief in high expectations, meaningful relationships and the transformative power of education.

Role Purpose

Are you a qualified Level 3 Nursery Practitioner who loves seeing children learn, grow and thrive? Do you want to work in a warm, supportive nursery where your ideas are valued and every day brings new opportunities to make a difference?

We're looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our team and help create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where children can flourish.

This is more than just a childcare role. It's an opportunity to inspire curiosity, build confidence, support early development and play a vital part in a child's learning journey.

What you will be doing

• Creating a nurturing, fun and engaging environment where children feel safe, happy and valued.
• Supporting children's learning and development through play-based activities and experiences.
• Building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Acting as a Key Worker, observing, tracking and celebrating children's progress.
• Supporting daily routines including play, mealtimes, rest and transitions.
• Promoting positive behaviour and helping children develop confidence and independence.
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, health, safety and wellbeing.
• Working collaboratively as part of a friendly and supportive nursery team.

What you will bring

• Qualified to Level 3 in Childcare or Early Years required.
• Passionate about giving children the very best start in life.
• Warm, caring and energetic, with a genuine love of working with young children.
• A strong communicator who enjoys building positive relationships with families and colleagues.
• Knowledgeable about child development, safeguarding and best practice in Early Years.
• Flexible, reliable and committed to creating exceptional experiences for every child.
• Experience supporting children with SEND and additional qualifications such as Paediatric First Aid would be beneficial, 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 Outcomes First Group, which in 2025 was officially certified as a Great Place to Work® for the sixth consecutive year.