Nursery Practitioner in Eastbourne

Heron Park Primary Academy is looking to recruit a qualified and committed Nursery Practitioner on a permanent basis to continue inspiring young minds. This is an exciting role where you will join our welcoming nursery team, working together to inspire, support and nurture our 2-4 year olds through fun, hands-on learning experiences.

We would love to hear from you if:

• you have a level 3 early years qualification
• you bring experience from a similar role and enjoy creating meaningful moments of learning and play
• you have a genuine passion for working with young children
• you are enthusiastic, positive and a great team player

In return for your passion and commitment, we offer:

• A supportive team who place our values of Respect, Curiosity, Independence, Resilience, and Aspiration at the centre of all that we do with a commitment to raising pupil achievement and aspirations
• Extensive professional development opportunities, including Aurora Trust-wide CPD
• A spacious well-equipped and well-resourced learning environment
• A skilled and committed SLT who are devoted to improving outcomes for all children and staff
• The opportunity to be part of a multi-academy trust that has collaboration at its heart and will support you every step of the way
• Enhanced paternity leave, in excess of the Green and Burgundy Books
• Aurora Academies Advantage scheme - this includes access to free and confidential advice on a range of topics via the Employee Assistance Programme, online GP service, cycle to work scheme, discounts to high-street shops and health and well-being support

Qualifications

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification essential

Skills Abilities, Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to use language and other communication skills that pupils can understand and relate to essential
• Ability to demonstrate active listening skills essential
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents, carers and other professionals, both verbally, and in writing essential
• Ability to create and maintain high-quality and accurate records essential
• Ability to remain calm and patient under pressure, whilst working to deadlines essential
• Ability to work in an organised and methodical manner essential
• Ability to organise fun and stimulating activities essential
• Ability to work effectively and supportively as a member of the nursery and school team essential
• Ability to consistently and effectively implement agreed behaviour management strategies essential

Experience

• Previous experience in a similar role essential
• Experience of establishing positive relationships with children essential
• Experience of working in a team
• Experience of working successfully as part of a team essential

Experience/Knowledge

• Working knowledge of legislation relevant to working with young children essential
• Demonstrable understanding of children's development essential
• Demonstrable understanding of the Early Year's Foundation Stage essential

Qualifications

• First aid trained, or willingness to become so

Heron Park Primary Academy is a vibrant and dynamic two-form entry primary school with a nursery, serving children aged 2–11 in the heart of the Eastbourne community. We are proud to be rated a ‘Good’ provider by Ofsted, and we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional educational experiences for every child in our care. At Heron Park, we believe that children flourish in a happy, supportive, safe, and purposeful learning environment. Our warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere ensures that all members of our community feel a strong sense of belonging—truly part of the Heron Park family.

Our inspirational curriculum is thoughtfully designed to both challenge and excite our pupils, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Every aspect of school life is underpinned by our five core values: Respect, Resilience, Aspiration. These values guide our pupils as they grow into confident, capable individuals who demonstrate Quality, Excellence, and Passion in everything they do. Our vision is clear: to empower every child to reach their full potential. Through a rich and engaging educational journey, we aim to equip our pupils with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need for a successful and fulfilling future.

‘It’s really fun to do work at our school. I really like the challenges and our school trips! Our values make our school a safe place to learn. We follow them and have been taught about integrity which we show every day. Having worked at Heron Park for just over a year now, the thing that has really stood out for me is the incredibly strong ethic of teamwork that is evident throughout all aspects of school life. All members of the school community work hard to support each other to achieve the best for the pupils in our care both in terms of fostering academic progress, but also in supporting them socially and emotionally. I have also found the clear pedagogical approaches and engaging curriculum to be a real strength of the school, and this is supported by an exciting range of trips, experiences and events across the year. CPD, both within our own school but also as part of the wider Aurora Academy Trust, is always responsive to the emerging needs of our pupils and staff, and as a result, I really feel that I have developed as a teacher over the course of the year that I have worked at Heron Park. All staff at Heron Park are dedicated, friendly and passionate about their roles, whatever they may be, and that has made being part of the team here a real pleasure.’ Lee, Y5 teacher

‘Working at Heron Park Primary Academy is honestly such a joy. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and part of a team that genuinely cares—not just about the children, but about each other too. There’s a real sense of community here, and that makes a huge difference day to day. One of the things I love most is how our school values are lived out in everything we do. Our children are encouraged to be respectful, curious, independent, resilient, and aspirational, and it’s amazing to see them grow into those qualities. It makes teaching here feel really meaningful. We also have a broad and balanced curriculum that’s built around helping every child reach their full potential. The focus on Quality, Excellence, and Passion isn’t just for the pupils—it’s something we all strive for as staff too. Plus, being part of Aurora Academies Trust means there are great opportunities to develop and progress in your career. There’s always support, encouragement, and the chance to take on new challenges across the trust.’ Emily Sturt

Aurora Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. Online searches will also be carried out on shortlisted candidates. Aurora Academies Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.