Nursery Practitioner

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

Benefits offered by this job

80% childcare discount

Welcome £1,000 bonus

33 days' annual leave including bank +

Seasonal bonuses and recognition

Employee wellbeing support and healthc

Team meals and staff socials

International CPD opportunities

Fully funded education and leadership

Induction and 12-module training path

CPD tracker and annual reviews

Career progression across nursery

Christmas shopping support

Job summary

Recruit by Nature in Midhurst, West Sussex, is seeking a Nursery Practitioner to support babies, toddlers and preschoolers in a setting built around curiosity, nurturing relationships and learning through play.

The role includes delivering attentive care, building secure relationships, and contributing to a developing approach inspired by Reggio Emilia, Scandinavian and Forest School practices, with three rooms and an open-plan garden.

Qualifications

• Must have right to work in the UK (sponsorship not available).
• Level 2/3 childcare qualifications welcomed; experienced applicants without formal qualification may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive care to babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
• Build trusting relationships to help children feel settled.
• Support play that aligns with children's interests and development.
• Observe and report on children's development to guide learning experiences.
• Prepare welcoming spaces and resources that invite curiosity and independence.
• Help children explore the garden and outdoor activities safely.
• Communicate with families and colleagues to ensure consistent care.
• Follow safeguarding and safety procedures daily.

Skills

Childcare

Observation

Communication with families

Education

Level 2/3 childcare qualifications

Job description

Nursery Practitioner - Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29

Support babies, toddlers and preschool children in a nursery that is developing its approach around curiosity, nurturing relationships and learning through play. This Nursery Practitioner position in Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 offers a setting with three carefully prepared rooms and an open-plan garden. It suits experienced childcare practitioners who enjoy responding to children's interests and contributing ideas as Reggio Emilia, Scandinavian and Forest School-inspired approaches develop.

Employment Type

Full-time, permanent, working at the nursery.

Salary

£26,500-£30,000 per annum, depending on qualification and experience, plus benefits.

Benefits

• An 80% childcare discount.
• A £1,000 welcome bonus, subject to eligibility and availability.
• 33 days' annual leave including bank holidays, plus an option to buy or sell leave.
• Seasonal bonuses, reward schemes and recognition for long service.
• Employee wellbeing support, an Employee Assistance Programme and healthcare cash plan.
• Team meals, staff socials and fun days.
• International CPD opportunities and professional learning trips.
• Fully funded further education and leadership development opportunities.
• An advertised induction and 12-module training academy pathway with dedicated mentor support.
• Development supported by a CPD Tracker, role-specific reviews and three annual group CPD inset days.
• Career progression and internal promotion opportunities across the nursery group.
• Christmas shopping support and group opportunities to collaborate with professional artists in creative Ateliers.

Working Hours & Shift Pattern

Full-time, permanent employment.
Based at the nursery in Midhurst, GU29.

Job Description

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will deliver attentive care and support children's development within a nursery serving babies through to preschool in the GU29 area. Working alongside colleagues, you will help children feel secure, build relationships and explore activities suited to their needs and interests.
The setting is introducing elements of Reggio Emilia practice alongside Scandinavian and Forest School-inspired approaches. Its three rooms and open-plan garden provide spaces for exploration and play. For candidates working in nurseries & early years, this offers a chance to contribute practical childcare experience while helping a developing approach take shape.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide responsive care that recognises each child's needs, routines and stage of development.
• Build trusting relationships that help children feel settled and confident within the nursery.
• Support play experiences that encourage children to explore their interests and develop new skills.
• Observe children's engagement and development to help inform appropriate learning experiences.
• Prepare welcoming spaces and resources that invite curiosity, independence and creative thinking.
• Help children explore the garden and outdoor activities safely.
• Communicate relevant information with families and colleagues to support consistent care and learning.
• Follow the nursery's safeguarding, care and safety procedures throughout daily practice.

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Level 2 and Level 3 childcare qualifications are welcomed. Experienced applicants without a formal qualification may be considered individually.
• Practical nursery-practitioner experience and familiarity with caring for children in an early years setting.
• An interest in child-led learning, outdoor experiences and development from babies through to preschool.
• The ability to respond to individual care needs, support purposeful play and share useful observations about children's development.
• A warm, relationship-led approach to children, families and colleagues.
• The ability to take responsibility for your daily practice within the nursery team and attend the setting for the agreed 40-hour rota.
• Also suitable for: Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Nursery Nurse, Childcare Practitioner.

Company Culture

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be part of a team exploring how different early years approaches can enrich children's daily experiences. The emphasis is on nurturing relationships, thoughtful environments and resources that encourage children to investigate ideas. Practitioners who enjoy reflecting on their work and exchanging observations with colleagues may appreciate this stage of the setting's development. The wider group also describes mentoring, professional learning and progression conversations as part of its support for staff.