Nursery Practitioner

Southover Pre-School; London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A local preschool in London is seeking a Nursery Practitioner to provide a safe and inspiring environment for children under 5. The ideal candidate will have relevant Early Years qualifications and experience in a nursery setting. You will be responsible for supporting curriculum planning, building relationships with families, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children. Join our dedicated team and contribute to the development of young minds.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2/3 in Early Years Education and Childcare.
• Montessori qualification or Diploma highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with young children.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and delivery of the curriculum.
• Prepare playroom(s) for daily activities.
• Build strong relationships with parents/carers.

Skills

Caring nature

Team player

Strong communication

Understanding of child development

Education

Minimum Level 2/3 in Early Years Education

Montessori qualification or Diploma

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our preschool team, working under the guidance of the Room Leader and Nursery Manager. You will play a key role in providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.

The ideal candidate will have a calm, caring, and empathetic nature, with a genuine passion for supporting children under the age of 5. You should enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team, while also being confident in managing responsibilities independently and working under pressure when needed.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and delivery of the curriculum, drawing on both the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Montessori principles.
• Help prepare the playroom(s) for daily activities and ensure the space is tidied and maintained to a high standard.
• Act as a key person for a small group of children, building strong relationships with parents/carers and tailoring care to meet individual needs.
• Communicate any concerns regarding children, parents, or equipment promptly and appropriately, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Provide engaging teaching and play experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and learning.
• Ensure children’s safety and wellbeing are prioritised at all times, keeping accurate records and following safeguarding procedures where necessary.
• Take an active role in team meetings, supervisions, appraisals, and training opportunities.
• Adhere to all setting policies and procedures, including those relating to health and safety, safeguarding, fire safety, hygiene, and food safety.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Early Years qualification: Minimum Level 2/3 in Early Years Education and Childcare (or equivalent), with a commitment to further professional development at Level 3/4/5.
• Montessori training: A Montessori qualification or Diploma is highly desirable.
• Experience: Previous experience working with young children in a nursery or preschool setting.
• Child development knowledge: Strong understanding of child development from birth to five years.
• Curriculum knowledge: Familiarity with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and an appreciation of Montessori, play-based learning approaches.
• Safeguarding awareness: Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding procedures.
• Strong communication: Excellent verbal, written, and IT skills for effective interaction with children, colleagues, and parents.

Team player: Ability to work collaboratively, respecting and supporting the nursery’s ethos and Montessori philosophy of child-centred education.