At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide nurturing care and support creative activities for young children in a vibrant nursery.
- Company: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, a warm and caring community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, £1,000 welcome bonus, 25 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to helping children grow into confident learners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a beautiful, nature-rich environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and experience in an Early Years setting.
The predicted salary is between 29500 - 29500 € per year.
Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters.
Location: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Salary: £29,500 per annum plus £1,000 Welcome Bonus*
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am–5pm or 9am–6pm
Contract: Permanent | 52 weeks
Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays
Akeley Wood Junior School is a warm, vibrant and caring community set within stunning rural surroundings near Buckingham. Our Nursery provides a joyful, stimulating and secure space where children aged 12 months to 4 years can explore, play and learn with confidence.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, caring and dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our Early Years team. We are also open to applications from apprentices, making this a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to begin—or further develop—a rewarding career in early childhood education.
The Role
- Provide high‑quality physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children in our Nursery.
- Support the planning and delivery of creative, age‑appropriate activities tailored to individual needs.
- Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families, ensuring clear and positive communication.
- Act as a Key Worker, observing and documenting each child’s progress with care and accuracy.
- Model a calm, nurturing approach and promote positive behaviour.
- Maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment with consistently high standards of care and hygiene.
- Support daily routines including mealtimes, rest, play and transitions.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a welcoming, inclusive and supportive setting.
Our Nursery operates for 51 weeks of the year, with shift patterns of 8.00am–5.00pm or 9.00am–6.00pm on a weekly rota.
About You
- A Level 3 childcare qualification (or above).
- Experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
- A warm, empathetic and energetic approach to working with young children.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and parents.
- An understanding of safeguarding, child development and safe working practices.
- Flexibility, resilience and a genuine passion for helping children flourish.
- Experience supporting children with SEND or additional qualifications such as First Aid would be an advantage.
Why Join Akeley Wood Junior School?
- You’ll join a dedicated, friendly and supportive Early Years team who share a deep commitment to nurturing young children and helping them grow into confident, curious learners.
- You will enjoy a caring, highly supportive working environment.
- A beautiful, nature‑rich setting to enhance learning.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- A team culture built on collaboration, creativity and kindness.
- Travel Allowance - £1,000.00 per annum payable after probation.
Safeguarding Commitment
Akeley Wood School and Blenheim Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff must follow safeguarding policies and complete relevant training. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and social media checks.
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
*Welcome bonus paid in full after one month, Terms and Conditions apply.
Early Years Practitioner in Northampton employer: Blenheim Schools
Akeley Wood Junior School offers a nurturing and vibrant environment for Early Years Practitioners, where every moment matters in the development of young children. Located in the picturesque surroundings of Milton Keynes, employees benefit from a supportive team culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a generous holiday package, all while working in a beautiful, nature-rich setting that enhances learning. With a commitment to safeguarding and a welcoming atmosphere, this is an ideal place for those passionate about early childhood education to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in early years education, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to early years settings. Think about how you would handle various situations with children and families, and be ready to share your experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for early childhood education shine through. Share your ideas on creating engaging activities and how you can contribute to their nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our supportive community at Akeley Wood Junior School.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. We want to see your genuine love for early childhood education and how you can contribute to our nurturing environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. Mention specific examples from your past roles that align with the responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner at Akeley Wood.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your skills and experiences. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches us quickly and securely, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blenheim Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner. Brush up on child development theories and be ready to discuss how you would implement creative, age-appropriate activities tailored to individual needs.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your warm, empathetic approach and how you’ve positively impacted children’s lives in previous roles.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your ability to build trusting relationships by discussing how you communicate effectively with both children and parents. Be prepared to give examples of how you’ve fostered a supportive environment in past positions.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting a child with SEND or managing challenging behaviour, and articulate your approach clearly.
