Qualified Montessori Lead - £1000 welcome perk

The Old Station Nursery; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare support

Holiday entitlement

Professional development access

Community volunteering day

Perkbox discounts and wellbeing tools

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Montessori Maidstone is seeking a Qualified Early Years Teacher to inspire curiosity and support children’s learning through play. You will bring Montessori expertise to a warm, nurturing setting, planning play-based EYFS activities and building strong relationships with families.

Based in Maidstone, Kent, Monday to Friday, 30–40 hours per week, with competitive hourly pay and generous staff benefits including discount childcare and wellbeing support.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Full Montessori Qualification and experience in teaching in the Early Years.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS and how young children learn through play.
• Ability to plan engaging, play-based learning responsive to individual children.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe and valued.
• Plan and deliver purposeful, play-based learning aligned with EYFS.
• Observe learning and plan next steps based on progress.
• Adapt activities so every child can participate and learn at their own pace.
• Build partnerships with families and share children's achievements.
• Support daily routines and uphold safeguarding, hygiene, and care standards.
• Share knowledge with colleagues and contribute to team development.

Skills

Montessori qualification

EYFS knowledge

Teaching experience

Job description

Join Our Team as a Qualified Early Years Teacher

Nurture curious minds and a lifelong love of learning

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing -little humans and big humans alike. As a Qualified Early Years Teacher at Maidstone, you'll bring your knowledge, creativity, and care to a nursery community where every child's individuality matters.

You'll have space to share ideas, learn alongside colleagues, and create experiences that help children become confident, curious learners.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.
• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.
• Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.
• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.
• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.
• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay: £15.50 per hour, based on experience.

Hours: Monday to Friday between 30-40 hours per week(option for flexibility on shifts)

Location

The Old Station Nursery Montessori Maidstone
Priory Road
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 6NL

Where You'll Be Working

Set in the heart of Maidstone, Kent, our beautiful period nursery building is home to more than 80 children each day. With three outdoor spaces and five rooms, we're a popular and loved nursery for local Kent families. Inside our nursery, every corner is designed to inspire curiosity and foster growth. Bright and spacious interiors welcome children into a world of learning and play, filled with vibrant colours and cosy corners that encourage exploration and creativity. The Old Station Nursery Montessori Maidstone is located is the town centre with great public transport links. The setting is located just off the A249 on Priory Road. Parking is available in the car park on Mill Street.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll use your teaching knowledge to bring learning to life through play, building on what children notice, enjoy, and want to understand.

One moment you might be helping children investigate why a tower keeps falling. The next, you could be extending their vocabulary through storytelling or supporting a colleague to develop a new idea.

Your role will include:

• Creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and confident to explore
• Planning and delivering purposeful, play-based learning aligned with the EYFS and shaped around children's interests and developmental needs
• Observing children's learning, recognising their progress, and using what you discover to plan their next steps
• Adapting experiences so every child can participate, contribute, and learn at their own pace
• Building trusting partnerships with families, sharing achievements and listening to their knowledge of their child
• Supporting everyday routines and maintaining high standards of safeguarding, safety, hygiene, and care
• Sharing your knowledge with colleagues, apprentices, and volunteers while remaining open to their ideas and experience
• Reflecting on your teaching and working with the team to continually improve children's experiences

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As an Early Years Teacher, that means taking responsibility for thoughtful practice, building caring relationships, and turning curiosity into opportunities for learning.

What We’re Looking For

To be considered for this role, you must hold a Full Montessori Qualification and haveexperience in teaching/ delivering this in the Early Years.

You’ll also bring:

• A strong understanding of the EYFS and how young children learn through play and relationships
• The ability to plan engaging learning experiences that respond to individual children's strengths and needs
• A caring, observant approach that helps you notice when to encourage, adapt, or offer support
• Confidence communicating with families and working closely with colleagues
• A commitment to safeguarding and creating an inclusive environment for every child
• Curiosity about your own practice and a willingness to keep learning and share what you know

We're looking for someone who celebrates the small steps, welcomes big questions, and helps children discover the joy of learning.

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.