Nursery Practitioner

Clifton College; Tockington; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Tockington Manor School, part of Clifton College Education Group, is seeking a caring Nursery Practitioner to support children aged 2–4. You will help deliver the EYFS curriculum, promote wellbeing and build strong relationships with children, families and staff.

The role requires a Level 3 childcare qualification (Level 2 considered) and a proactive, adaptable approach. You will contribute to a safe, inclusive environment and engage in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Level 3 childcare qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience in Early Years would be advantageous.
• Sound understanding of the EYFS framework and child development.

Responsibilities

• Support learning and development in line with EYFS.
• Observe, assess and record children's progress.
• Act as a key person and build relationships with children and families.
• Plan and support age-appropriate activities.
• Create a safe, inclusive environment for all children.
• Develop partnerships with parents to support learning needs.
• Work collaboratively as part of the nursery team.
• Support safeguarding, health and safety and professional conduct.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Observation

Relationship-building

Planning activities

Team collaboration

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Level 2 childcare qualification considered

Job description

We are looking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join the team at Tockington Manor School. The successful candidate will support the learning, development and wellbeing of children aged 2 to 4 years, helping to create a nurturing and safe environment in which every child can thrive. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as you will work closely with children, parents and colleagues to support each child's individual learning journey.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting children's learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
• Observing, assessing and recording children's progress, ensuring records are accurate and up to date
• Acting as a key person, building strong and positive relationships with children and their families
• Planning, preparing and supporting age-appropriate activities that engage and inspire young learners
• Creating a safe, inclusive, welcoming and stimulating environment for all children
• Developing positive partnerships with parents to support children's care and early learning needs
• Working collaboratively and flexibly as part of a wider nursery team
• Building and maintaining strong professional relationships with colleagues across the school
• Supporting the nursery's commitment to high standards of care, education and wellbeing
• Promoting safeguarding, health and safety, and professional conduct at all times
• Respecting and valuing all children, parents and staff, contributing to a positive and supportive culture
• Undertaking relevant training and professional development opportunities as required
• Supporting the continuous improvement of the nursery environment and provision

The ideal candidate will hold a Level 3 childcare qualification (or equivalent), although applications from candidates with a Level 2 qualification will also be considered. Experience of working in an Early Years setting would be advantageous, together with a sound understanding of child development and the EYFS framework. The successful candidate will be personable, adaptable, organised and passionate about providing outstanding care and education for young children.

Tockington Manor School is part of Clifton College Education Group, and is a leading independent day and boarding school educating over 1,200 pupils aged 3 to 18 years. The College offers day education, flexi and full boarding and is a proudly inclusive and supportive community, with over 40 nationalities represented.

Founded in 1862, the College provides an exceptional all-round education that successfully combines a rich heritage with modern state-of-the-art facilities. Located in one of the most beautiful suburbs of the vibrant city of Bristol, we are proud to offer the finest all-round education based on the highest academic and pastoral standards, and a diverse range of first-class co-curricular activities.

For further details regarding this role, please see the attached job description.

Early applications are encouraged, as the College reserves the right to interview and possibly appoint candidates before the closing date.

Closing date: 27th September 2026

Tockington Manor School is committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that better reflects our community. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage / civil partnerships. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. Please note, we require candidates to be at least 18 years of age for all roles apart from our lifeguard positions where candidates are required to be 16+ with the relevant qualifications.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are required to share this commitment. Safeguarding is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the College. We make sure that all our staff are trained and supervised to a high standard so they can provide safe, effective practice.

All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes the disclosure of criminal records and barring checks, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to ask for references prior to interview, by applying for this role you are consenting for us to contact your referees. Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.