Nursery Practitioner - £1000 welcome bonus!

Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries; Crawley; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Loyalty bonuses

Buy/sell leave

Health plan & EAP

Career progression

Ateliers collaboration

Job summary

Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries in West Sussex is seeking a Nursery Practitioner to join our outdoor-learning focused team in Crawley. This full-time, permanent position offers up to £30,000 per year and a welcoming environment that champions forest school and nature-based learning.

After a 3-month induction, you'll join our Training Academy with practical modules and mentoring. We celebrate creativity, career progression, and provide health plans and additional benefits to

Qualifications

• Passion for Early Years and outdoor learning.
• Caring, can-do attitude and team spirit.
• Good understanding of EYFS and safeguarding.
• Bonus: experience with Reggio Emilia or Forest School – but not essential!

Responsibilities

• Support children aged 6 months to 5 years in their learning and development.
• Create a warm, stimulating and safe environment.
• Engage children in outdoor play, forest school and farm-based activities.
• Observe and track development, helping children meet their milestones.
• Build positive relationships with families.
• Work closely with your team to deliver an inspiring, child-led curriculum.
• Get stuck in! (We don’t mind a bit of mud and mess around here)

Skills

Passion for EYFS and outdoor learning

Caring, can-do attitude

EYFS & safeguarding

Forest School experience bonus

Job description

Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries | Full time

Nursery Practitioner - £1000 welcome bonus!

Crawley, United Kingdom | Posted on 08/06/2026

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner – Forest & Farm School Nursery

Salary: Up to £30,000 per year

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Why Join Us?

About the Role

We’re Little Barn Owls Nursery Group – an award-winning, Reggio Emilia-inspired nursery based in beautiful West Sussex. Recently named 2024 Nursery World Award Winners, we’re now looking for passionate Nursery Practitioners to join our fun, creative and nature-loving team!

You’ll be part of a group that champions outdoor learning, imaginative play, and meaningful connections with children and families.

What You’ll Do

• Support children aged 6 months to 5 years in their learning and development
• Create a warm, stimulating and safe environment
• Engage children in outdoor play, forest school and farm-based activities
• Observe and track development, helping children meet their milestones
• Build positive relationships with families
• Work closely with your team to deliver an inspiring, child-led curriculum
• Get stuck in! (We don’t mind a bit of mud and mess around here)

What You’ll Need

• Passion for Early Years and outdoor learning
• A caring, can-do attitude and team spirit
• Good understanding of EYFS & safeguarding
• Bonus: experience with Reggio Emilia or Forest School – but not essential!

Training & Development

After your 3-month induction, you’ll be enrolled in the Little Barn Owls Training Academy, completing 12 practical, self-paced modules designed to make you an Outstanding Early Years Educator. You’ll also receive 1:1 mentoring and opportunities for international training!

More Benefits

• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Long-service rewards and loyalty bonuses
• Option to buy/sell annual leave
• Access to health cash plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Career progression & internal promotion opportunities
• Work alongside professional artists in creative studios (Ateliers)

Hours

• Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 6:00pm
• Full-time only (we are open 51 weeks/year)
• EnhancedDBS check and referencesrequired
• We’re proud to be anequal opportunities employer
• We are committed to safeguarding all children and staff

About Little Barn Owls

With four beautiful nurseries across West Sussex, we’re known for combining child‑led learning with the magic of nature and creativity.

Nursery World UK Nursery Group of the Year 2020

UK Nursery of the Year 2015