Nursery Practitioner

Cognita Schools; Buckingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognita Schools is looking for a passionate Nursery Practitioner to join their team in Buckingham. In this permanent, full-time role starting in September 2025, you will provide essential care and support for children, creating a nurturing environment for their growth and development. Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 NVQ in childcare and a commitment to safeguarding and child wellbeing.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience

Aviva Pension Scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave

Access to My Staff Shop for savings

Cycle to Work scheme

24/7 wellbeing support

Free school lunches

Discount on fees for children at Akeley Wood School

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, especially those with special educational needs.
• Solid understanding of child safeguarding practices.
• Genuine enthusiasm for nurturing children's potential.

Responsibilities

• Providing high-quality physical, emotional, social, and intellectual care for children.
• Planning and preparing engaging activities tailored to individual needs.
• Maintaining detailed developmental records and ensuring safety of play areas.

Skills

Child development

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 NVQ in childcare

Job description

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About the School - Akeley Wood Junior
Akeley Wood School is a dynamic and friendly place to work with opportunities for professional development. We educate around 700 children across three campuses and have a progressive approach to teaching and learning. We strive for a holistic education at Akeley wood and achieve this through the supportive environment and diverse breadth of learning and development within our School.

We look to recruit high calibre staff committed to achieving the highest standards and to actively take part in the school life.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experiencedNursery Practitioner to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.

About the role
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will play a vital role in providing high-quality physical, emotional, social, and intellectual care for children in our nursery setting. Your responsibilities will include planning and preparing engaging activities tailored to meet each child's individual needs while maintaining effective communication with parents and staff. You will be essential in creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive and develop. Additionally, you will take on key worker responsibilities, keeping detailed developmental records, positively managing children's behaviour, and ensuring the cleanliness and safety of play areas and equipment. Your commitment to safeguarding and child wellbeing will be paramount, as you will adhere to all relevant policies and procedures.

This is a permanent, full-time role with a September 2025 start date.

To view a full job description, click here.

Who we are looking for:
Dedicated individuals who hold a Level 3 NVQ in childcare or an equivalent qualification, complemented by experience working with children, especially those with special educational needs. You will have a solid understanding of child development and safeguarding practices. Your ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues is crucial, as is your capacity for teamwork and adaptability. Most importantly, you should possess genuine enthusiasm for nurturing every child's potential and be committed to personal development and the broader school community.

Benefits at Cognita
*Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
* Aviva Pension Scheme
* Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave
* Access to My Staff Shop - £1,000's of savings to be made across the year
* Cycle to Work scheme, operated through My Staff Shop
* 24/7 wellbeing support through Cognita Health Assured, our Employee Assistance Program
* Free school lunches
* A discount on fees for children at Akeley Wood School

How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 25th June 2025. Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.