Nursery Practitioner

Recruit by Nature; Horsham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80% childcare discount

International CPD trips

33 days holiday incl bank holidays

Wellbeing support and career growth

Health cash plan and EAP

Employee discount

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Free parking

Referral programme and sick pay

Staff socials and meals out

Long-service rewards

Career progression

Job summary

Recruit by Nature is seeking a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner for a full-time, permanent role in Horsham, West Sussex RH12. The candidate will support children 6 months to 5 years in a Forest School and farm-based setting, delivering an EYFS-led, child-led approach with outdoor learning at the core.

The role operates 51 weeks a year, Monday–Friday, 7:30am–6:00pm, in-person at the nursery. GBP 27k–30k depending on experience, with extensive benefits and career progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Permanent right to work in the UK with no sponsorship required.
• Level 3 or above Childcare qualification is required.
• Previous early years, nursery or childcare experience is required.
• Passion for Early Years, EYFS, Forest School and outdoor learning.
• Good understanding of safeguarding, child development and high-quality nursery practice.
• Caring, positive and team-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently while contributing confidently as part of the wider nursery team.

Responsibilities

• Support children aged 6 months to 5 years with their learning and development.
• Create a warm, stimulating, safe and inclusive nursery environment.
• Engage children in outdoor play, Forest School and farm-based activities.
• Observe and track children’s development, helping them meet key milestones.
• Support an inspiring, child-led EYFS curriculum.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and families.
• Work closely with colleagues to provide consistent high-quality childcare.
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and safe working practices at all times.

Skills

Outdoor learning

EYFS

Childcare experience

Team player

Education

Level 3 Childcare qualification

Job description

Nursery Practitioner – Horsham, West Sussex RH12

Join an award-winning Forest and Farm School nursery setting near Southwater where childcare, outdoor learning, creativity, and child-led early years education are at the heart of daily practice.

Employment Type

Full-time, permanent Level 3 Nursery Practitioner opportunity within a nurseries & early years setting.
No sponsorship available for this role. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Salary

£27,000–£30,000 per year dependent on experience + benefits.

Pay & Benefits

• 80% childcare discount
• All-expenses-paid international CPD trips
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Wellbeing support and career growth
• Access to a health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Free parking and on-site parking
• Referral programme and sick pay
• Regular staff socials, fun days and meals out
• Long-service rewards and loyalty bonuses
• Career progression and internal promotion opportunities

Working Hours & Shift Pattern

Full-time, permanent role working Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 6:00pm.
Based in Horsham, West Sussex RH12 within a Forest School and farm-based nursery environment.

• Full-time only position
• Nursery operates 51 weeks per year
• In-person role based within the nursery setting
• Outdoor learning, Forest School and farm-based activities form part of the role
• Ongoing support through induction, mentoring and training

Job Description

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will join a creative Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex RH12, supporting children aged 6 months to 5 years through warm, nurturing and engaging early years practice.This Level 3 Nursery Practitioner role is based within a child-led childcare and early years setting inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, outdoor learning and Forest School education.Children take part in outdoor play, Forest School experiences and farm-based activities, supported by a team that values creativity, curiosity, family partnerships and high-quality EYFS learning.

The nursery also features dedicated creative studios known as Ateliers, where children are encouraged to explore imagination, expression and independent thinking through meaningful projects and hands-on learning. This is an excellent opportunity for a Nursery Practitioner or Early Years Educator who is passionate about childcare, EYFS, safeguarding, outdoor learning and helping young children develop confidence, curiosity and independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support children aged 6 months to 5 years with their learning and development
• Create a warm, stimulating, safe and inclusive nursery environment
• Engage children in outdoor play, Forest School and farm-based activities
• Observe and track children’s development, helping them meet key milestones
• Support an inspiring, child-led EYFS curriculum
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and families
• Work closely with colleagues to provide consistent high-quality childcare
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and safe working practices at all timesEncourage creativity, independence, imaginative play and curiosity
• Maintain accurate observations, communication and nursery documentation

Requirements

• Permanent right to work in the UK with no sponsorship requirement
• Level 3 or above Childcare qualification is required
• Previous early years, nursery or childcare experience is required
• Passion for Early Years, EYFS, Forest School and outdoor learning
• Good understanding of safeguarding, child development and high-quality nursery practice
• Caring, positive and team-focused approach
• Ability to work independently while contributing confidently as part of the wider nursery team
• Also suitable for: Nursery Practitioner, Level 3 Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Nursery Nurse, Childcare Practitioner, Preschool Assistant, EYFS Practitioner, Nursery Assistant, Early Childhood Educator, Key Worker

Company Culture

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be joining a fun, creative and nature-loving nursery team where professional development, wellbeing, outdoor learning and child-led education are genuinely valued. The setting has a strong culture of support, mentoring and progression. After a 3-month induction, staff are enrolled in a dedicated Training Academy with 12 practical, self-paced modules designed to support development as an Outstanding Early Years Educator.

The nursery environment is warm, imaginative and hands-on, with a strong focus on Forest School, farm-based learning, Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, creative studios, outdoor exploration and meaningful relationships with families.