Nursery Practitioner

Abacus Ark Nursery Schools; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-Day Working Week

32 Days Annual Leave

Medical Cashback Plan

Training & Career Development

Progression opportunities

Company pension

Ongoing professional development

Leadership development opportunities

Job summary

Abacus Ark Nursery in London is seeking a Senior Key Teacher (Level 3+ Qualified) for a full-time role across a 4-day week. You’ll lead your room, deliver engaging EYFS activities, and monitor progress in a supportive, child-centered environment.

We offer a 4-day week, generous leave, and extensive training with progression opportunities. UK rights and visa sponsorship may apply. Join a family-run team that values wellbeing and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Level 3 CACHE/NVQ qualification in Childcare or equivalent.
• Previous experience working within a nursery or early years setting.
• Right to work in the UK before employment commences.
• Ability to obtain an enhanced DBS check (paid for by us)
• Ability to provide references
• Good understanding of safeguarding and health & safety requirements
• Someone passionate & enthusiastic about early years education
• Someone organised, proactive and confident in leading a room and supporting colleagues
• A strong communicator with excellent teamwork skills
• Committed to providing exceptional childcare and learning experiences

Responsibilities

• As a Senior Key Teacher, you’ll take the lead in your room, supporting children through their early learning journey with engaging, hands‑on EYFS activities.
• You’ll create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where children can thrive, while tracking their progress and celebrating their development.
• You’ll build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers, support and guide your team, and work closely with leadership to keep standards high.
• You’ll also play a key role in promoting safeguarding, wellbeing, and a positive, collaborative team culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

Skills

Leadership

Strong communication

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 CACHE/NVQ qualification in Childcare or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Senior Key Teacher (Level 3+ Qualified)Full-Time | 4-Day WeekLocation: WandsworthFull-Time, Permanent – 40 Hours Over 4 DaysSalary: £32,100–£34,500 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.UK Applicants and Skilled Worker Sponsorship Available. We are currently taking applications from candidates with existing UK work rights and from eligible candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates who meet current UK Home Office requirements. Eligibility is assessed by a third-party to ensure compliance with caseworker guidance.Join a family run nursery where you're truly valued. We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Senior key Teacher to join our growing team. If you're passionate about early years education and want to work somewhere that values your wellbeing and career development, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Abacus Ark Nursery?

• 4-Day Working Week - Work full-time hours across just 4 days and enjoy 3 days off every week for better work-life balance.
• 32 Days Annual Leave (24 days holidays + 8 Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cashback Plan - Health Shield plan worth over £1,000 per year (including GP Anytime, health screening, health cash plans, MyGymDiscounts, SkinVision, online health assessments, massages, dental, optical and more)
• Training & Career Development - including specialised training and support/funding with enrolling onto further qualifications
• Progression opportunities within the company
• New site openings - further opportunities available

We Invest Heavily In Our Team With

• Blue Light Card access with major high street stores/food/cinema/holiday/travel discounts (various discounts between 10-20% off)
• Long service rewards
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Annual inset training days (fun & interactive)
• Team social events and celebrations
• Company pension
• Ongoing professional development
• Leadership development opportunities
• Supportive team culture and mentorship from experienced early years professionals
• Inclusive and positive working environment
• First aid and safeguarding training

As a Senior Key Teacher, you’ll take the lead in your room, supporting children through their early learning journey with engaging, hands‑on EYFS activities. You’ll create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where children can thrive, while tracking their progress and celebrating their development.

You’ll build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers, support and guide your team, and work closely with leadership to keep standards high. You’ll also play a key role in promoting safeguarding, wellbeing, and a positive, collaborative team culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

What We’re Looking For

• Level 3 CACHE/NVQ qualification in Childcare or equivalent
• Previous experience working within a nursery or early years setting
• Right to work in the UK before employment commences.
• Ability to obtain an enhanced DBS check (paid for by us)
• Ability to provide references
• Good understanding of safeguarding and health & safety requirements
• Someone passionate & enthusiastic about early years education
• Someone organised, proactive and confident in leading a room and supporting colleagues
• A strong communicator with excellent teamwork skills
• Committed to providing exceptional childcare and learning experiences

Desirable

• Higher qualification in childcare or education
• Experience in a senior practitioner or room leader role

Abacus Ark Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, right-to-work checks and safer recruitment procedures.

If you’re ready to progress your childcare career in a nursery that genuinely values and supports its staff, we’d love to hear from you!

Company Overview

• To provide each child with a unique and safe experience tailored and delivered to their individual needs.
• To provide each parent with an experience which is underpinned by two-way communication and expert support.
• To provide each practitioner with an experience underpinned by development opportunities, wellbeing and personal satisfaction.

Abacus Ark Values

Alongside the Abacus Ark Mission runs our company Values (PACT).

• Partnership - Effective and positive Partnership is seeking to ensure the group as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
• Awareness - Show concern and be well informed of situations or developments that are relevant to your role.
• Creativity - A mind open to possibilities.
• Thrive - Ambition for growth and development