Nursery Practitioner

St Francis Xavier 6th Form College; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent training opportunities

Free use of fitness suite

Cycle to work scheme

Free on-site parking

LGPS membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Nightingales Nursery at St Francis Xavier College in Balham is hiring a Nursery Practitioner to join our Toddler Room team on a permanent, full-time basis (37 hours/week). The role starts 4 January 2027 and offers a competitive salary of £29,833 plus LGPS and a supportive environment.

The successful candidate will have Level 2/3 in Early Years, experience with under-5s, and a solid EYFS understanding, with safeguarding at the core of daily practice and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Level 2 or Level 3 in Early Years/childcare or equivalent DfE qualification
• Proven experience with babies and toddlers and under-5s
• Strong understanding of the EYFS and ability to apply it in practice
• Ability to follow safeguarding policies and administrative duties such as planning, observations and report writing

Responsibilities

• Support a Toddler Room team in a warm, energetic environment.
• Assist with planning, observations and report writing.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are followed in daily practice.
• Communicate effectively with staff and parents to share feedback.

Skills

Experience with babies/toddlers

EYFS understanding

Teamwork & communication

Safeguarding adherence

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 in Early Years/childcare or DfE qualification

Job description

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Location: London

Salary: £29,833 plus access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Job type: Full Time, Permanent | 37 hours per week

Start date: 4th January 2027

Due to the retirement of the current post holder, Nightingales Nursery, based at St Francis Xavier College (a 2-minute walk from Clapham South), is seeking a warm, dedicated, and energetic Nursery Practitioner to join our Toddler Room team. This is an exciting permanent position at a thriving nursery.

Nightingales Nursery is a family-orientated setting in the heart of Balham. We deliver a holistic learning environment where children feel secure, confident, and happy. Because we are a close-knit nursery, we take pride in supporting both our staff and our families every step of the way-starting with a smooth, caring transition from home to nursery.

If you are kind, enthusiastic, patient, and able to work in harmony with other like-minded people within a safe, stimulating, and happy environment, then we would like to hear from you!

Candidates should have:

• Level 2 or Level 3 in Early Years/childcare or an equivalent DfE recognised qualification
• Proven experience of working with babies and toddlers and a good track record of working with under 5s
• A good understanding of the EYFS and the ability to put it into practice
• Ability to work in a caring and energetic team
• Ability to follow all safeguarding policies and procedures of the Nursery
• Ability to follow all requirements of administrative duties such as planning, observations and report writing
• Ability to communicate feedback clearly with staff and parents

We offer a competitive salary, a supportive and friendly environment, and a great range of benefits including excellent training opportunities, free use of our fitness suite, cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, and an Employee Assistance Programme, to name a few.

• excellent training opportunities
• free use of our fitness suite
• cycle to work scheme
• free on-site parking
• membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

Deadline for receipt of applications: 12:00 noon Monday 26th October 2026.

Interviews: Will be held week commencing w/c 2 November 2026.

We reserve the right to interview successful applicants and close the vacancy prior to the application deadline should we find the perfect candidate.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of; Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Practitioner, Childcare Practitioner, Nursery Nurse, Early Years Educator, Early Years Assistant, Nursery Assistant, Childcare Assistant, Toddler Room Practitioner, Toddler Room Nursery Practitioner, Toddler Room Leader, Toddler Practitioner, Toddler Room Assistant, Baby Room Practitioner, Baby Room Nursery Nurse, Infant Care Practitioner, Preschool Practitioner, Pre-School Nursery Practitioner, may also be considered for this role