Senior Nursery Practitioner

Family First Nursery Group; Verwood; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Verwood seeks a Room Leader for Ellingham House Day Nursery. The role involves creating engaging experiences for children, supporting their development, and leading a team. Candidates must have a full and relevant Level 3 Childcare Qualification and at least one year of experience in early years. The nursery offers a wonderful working environment with generous leave, bonuses, and childcare discounts, promoting a nurturing atmosphere for children and staff alike.

Benefits

£750 Welcome Bonus

£400 Qualification Recognition Bonus

Generous Annual Leave

75% Childcare Discount

Health & Wellbeing Support

Career Development

Company Pension Scheme

Referral Bonuses

Free Onsite Parking

Team Events & Celebrations

Qualifications

• Essential level 3 childcare qualification is necessary.
• 1+ year experience in early years is needed.
• Knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted standards is desired.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging, age-appropriate experiences and environments for children.
• Support children's physical, emotional, and intellectual development.
• Lead and mentor your team to ensure high-quality observations.

Skills

Fluent in written and spoken English

Knowledge of EYFS & Ofsted standards

1+ Year Experience in Early Years

Education

Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare Qualification

Job description

Room Leader - Ellingham House Day Nursery

Lead with heart in a truly magical setting.
Ellingham House Day Nursery is nestled in a stunning Georgian country house surrounded by 2.5 acres of lush lawns and woodland. Our tranquil location offers children the chance to explore nature, climb, balance, and even care for our resident Valais Blacknose sheep - Baarbara and Soozie! With beautifully refurbished rooms and a warm, home‑from‑home atmosphere, we're proud to provide a nurturing space where children feel safe, supported, and inspired.

Location: Ellingham Drive, near New Forest National Park
Full‑Time 40 hours per week
Salary: £30,180 per annum

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

• £750 Welcome Bonus to start your journey with us
• £400 Qualification Recognition Bonus after 6 months
• Generous Annual Leave: 24 days + your birthday off + bank holidays
• 75% Childcare Discount for your own children
• Health & Wellbeing Support: Confidential helpline available
• Career Development: Tailored training and progression opportunities
• Company Pension Scheme
• Referral Bonuses for bringing great people into our team
• Free Onsite Parking
• Team Events & Celebrations throughout the year
• Career Progression Opportunities within a supportive and inspiring environment

Your Role as Room Leader:

• Create engaging, age‑appropriate experiences and environments for children
• Support children's physical, emotional, and intellectual development
• Lead and mentor your team, ensuring high‑quality observations via EyLog
• Promote a strong key person approach and identify training needs
• Maintain accurate records using EyMan and ensure EYFS compliance
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, staff, and families
• Act as a role model, demonstrating professionalism, consistency, and care

What We're Looking For:

• Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare Qualification – Essential
• 1+ Year Experience in Early Years – Essential
• 6+ Months in a Senior Role – Desirable
• Knowledge of EYFS & Ofsted standards – Desirable
• Fluent in written and spoken English – Essential

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and thorough vetting procedures.

Ellingham House is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti‑discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.