Nursery Practitioner

St Gabriel's; England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A private nursery in Newbury is seeking a dedicated Nursery Practitioner to deliver outstanding care and education for children. The ideal candidate has a Level 3 qualification and experience with young children. You will engage in play-based learning and maintain high standards of child safety and hygiene. The role offers a competitive salary with benefits including complimentary meals and flexible working hours. Applications are encouraged before the closing date.

Benefits

Complementary lunches and refreshments

Concession days for holidays

A day off for your birthday

Birthday bonus after probation

Enhanced pension scheme

Access to discounts platform

24/7 online GP support

Free annual flu jab

Discounts for children's activities

Qualifications

• Experience working with children under five is essential.
• Understanding of play-based learning methods.
• Ability to track and support child development.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Key Person for a group of children.
• Engage in play-based learning to promote development.
• Ensure children's needs for nutrition, hygiene, and safety are met.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Maintain cleanliness, health & safety standards.
• Support the team during inspections and events.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team-focused attitude

Understanding of EYFS

Knowledge of safeguarding procedures

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or equivalent

Job description

Nursery Practitioner

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking to join a nurturing, high-quality setting within a private school? St Gabriel’s Nursery is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner to join our warm and welcoming team.

Due to the exciting expansion of our Outstanding-rated Nursery and continued high demand for places, we’re growing our team to welcome more families into our vibrant early years community.

The role

As a Nursery Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in delivering outstanding care and education for nursery children. You’ll work closely with your room team to create a stimulating environment that supports each child’s learning journey, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and our child-led “in the moment” planning approach.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as a Key Person for a group of children, tracking and supporting their development through iConnect.
• Engaging in play-based learning to promote growth across all areas of development.
• Ensuring children’s nutritional, hygiene, and safety needs are met with care and professionalism.
• Building strong relationships with parents and carers through clear communication and collaboration.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, health & safety and compliance with safeguarding policies.
• Supporting the team during inspections, training, and nursery events.

This is a full time role, condensed into a 4-day working week, all year-round. Hours are from 07:15 to 18:30.

About you

We are looking for a Nursery Practitioner with a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education (or equivalent), who has previous experience of working with children under five. A strong understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures, as well as excellent communication skills and a team-focused attitude is essential.

Why join St Gabriel’s

St Gabriel’s is a thriving co-ed independent school founded in 1929, which incorporates St Gabriel’s Nursery, our EYFS provision. Sandleford Priory dates back to the early Middle Ages and is set in a beautiful Grade 1 listed building within 33 acres of Capability Brown parkland, which provides a gracious setting in which to work.

As an employer, we are committed to providing a positive, supportive, and inclusive working environment where people are recognised and rewarded for their contribution. We believe in creating the conditions for colleagues to do their best work, with professional opportunities to grow, and a strong sense of community. Our location in Newbury makes the school accessible by good transport links, with the added convenience of free on-site parking.

In addition to a competitive salary, staff enjoy a range of benefits including:

Benefits

• Complementary lunches and refreshments when the kitchens are open (50 weeks a year)
• Concession days including an annual Christmas closure
• A day off for your birthday!
• An annual birthday bonus upon successful completion of your probationary period
• A generous, enhanced pension scheme
• Access to an extensive discounts platform
• 24/7 online GP and nurse practitioner support
• Free annual flu jab
• Ultimate Activity Club discounts for children

How to apply

For further details and to apply for the role please click the apply button.

Closing date: 9:00 am on Monday 24th November 2025.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may be arranged before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

St Gabriel’s School values diversity, promotes equality, and is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.