Nursery Practitioner

Willingcare; Southampton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave increases with service

Health and wellbeing programme

Pension scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Heavily discounted childcare

Job summary

Willingcare is seeking a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner for a woodland setting in the UK. The role offers a 40-hour week across four days with a salary between £23,000 and £33,000 per year.

You will deliver high-quality care and education aligned with the EYFS, foster outdoor learning, and support children through play and exploration in a nurturing team environment.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) is required.
• Experience in an early years setting is preferred.
• Good knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS framework.
• Plan engaging activities balancing child-led play with purposeful learning.
• Encourage children to explore the natural environment and build curiosity and confidence.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Observe, assess and record children's progress to support learning journeys.
• Support children's social, emotional and practical skills for school transition.

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Nursery Practitioner (Level 3)

£23,000–£33,000 per year | 40 Hours per Week Across 4 Days

This beautiful nursery offers children the freedom to learn, play, and grow in a truly inspiring setting. Nestled amongst acres of woodland and open green space, the outdoors are at the heart of everyday life, encouraging children to explore, ask questions, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning through hands-on experiences.

Children benefit from age-specific rooms tailored to each stage of their development, ensuring they receive the right balance of support and challenge as they grow. The nursery combines free play with structured learning, helping every child develop the confidence, independence, and essential skills they need to become school ready.

As a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner, you'll become part of a passionate team that believes every child learns differently and thrives when they're given the time, space, and encouragement to be curious.

What We're Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
• Previous experience working within an early years setting.
• Good knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements.
• A nurturing, enthusiastic, and caring approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A passion for outdoor learning and supporting children through play and exploration.

What You'll Receive

• £23,000–£33,000 per year
• 40-hour working week across 4 days
• Annual leave that increases with length of service
• Health and wellbeing programme
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced parental leave
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Heavily discounted childcare
• Opportunity to work in a unique woodland setting where outdoor learning is part of everyday life

Your Role

• Deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS framework.
• Plan engaging activities that balance child-led play with purposeful learning experiences.
• Encourage children to explore the natural environment, supporting curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress to support their individual learning journeys.
• Support children as they develop the social, emotional, and practical skills needed for a successful transition to school.
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies at all times.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL249232/SM

INDCHI