Qualified Nursery Practitioner (Forest School)

Childbase Partnership; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is looking for a Qualified Nursery Practitioner to work at their Forest School. Candidates must hold a DfE approved early years qualification at level 3 or above and have a strong understanding of the EYFS. Responsibilities include planning engaging activities, ensuring children's well-being, and promoting collaborative relationships with families. The role offers a competitive salary and various generous benefits, including childcare discounts and development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Childcare discount

Wellbeing support

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified early years professional with level 3 qualification.
• Skilled in creating educational opportunities and activities.
• Commitment to safeguarding children's well-being.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging activities that promote learning.
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress.
• Ensure every child feels safe, valued, and happy.

Skills

Knowledge of EYFS

Collaboration

Safeguarding advocacy

Education

DfE approved early years qualification at level 3 or above

Job description

Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary. Role: Qualified Nursery Practitioner to work at our Forest School (Level 3 or above). Location: Field House Day Nursery | Buckingham | MK18 1ST. Contract: Permanent | 37.5-40 hours/week | 52 weeks/year. Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30. Salary: £27,310.40-£31,158.40 per annum (pro-rata) | £13.13–£14.98 per hour.

Why join us

• Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro‑rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Work‑life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive; take your leave or sell the days you accrue, tax‑free.
• Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
• Exclusive partner benefits: Long‑ rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
• Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
• Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.

About us

• We are employee‑owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax‑free dividend.
• We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.
• We are community driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.
• We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.

About you

• You are a qualified early years professional: You hold a DfE approved early years qualification at level 3 or above.
• You are skilled in creating opportunities for learning: Your knowledge of the EYFS will enable you to work as a Key Person, planning and implementing high quality, engaging activities that promote learning through play; observing, assessing and recording children’s progress.
• You are an advocate for safeguarding: You will ensure every child feels safe, valued, and happy and their well‑being is promoted.
• You are collaborative: You enjoy working in partnership with children, parents and colleagues, effectively communicating and building strong and positive relationships.

We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required.

Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check. If you’re not early years qualified, visit our Careers Page to explore other opportunities.