Early Years Practitioner (Level 3+) – Independent Prep Nursery in City of London

Job Description:

Early Years Practitioner (Level 3+) – Independent Prep Nursery – Peckham Rye

Salary: £27,500-£32,500 per year

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 42 hours per week across five days

Location: Peckham Rye, South East London

Start Date: January 2027

Join a Welcoming, Family-Oriented Independent Prep Nursery in Peckham

Are you an experienced and passionate Early Years Practitioner looking for a long-term opportunity within a supportive, close-knit and well-established nursery?

We are working with a highly regarded independent prep nursery in Peckham that is looking for a dedicated Level 3+ Early Years Practitioner with at least three years’ experience to join its team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is hardworking, enthusiastic and brings a positive, can-do attitude to their work.

The nursery prides itself on its welcoming, family-like atmosphere, supportive leadership and strong staff retention, with several team members having been part of the school for 15-20 years.

They are looking for someone who genuinely wants to become part of the school community, build lasting relationships with children and families, and grow within the setting over the long term.

With modern facilities, excellent professional development opportunities, generous annual leave and a working pattern that includes flexible start times and one early afternoon finish each week, this is an ideal opportunity for a practitioner looking for stability and career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS framework.
• Create a safe, stimulating, inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Plan and deliver creative, age-appropriate activities that support children's learning and development.
• Observe, assess and track children's progress, identifying individual learning needs.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Communicate confidently and professionally with parents, providing regular updates on their child's learning, development and progress.
• Support children's emotional, social and educational development.
• Promote positive behaviour, independence and confidence.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and the wider school team, offering support wherever needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a proactive approach to the day-to-day needs of the nursery.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety.
• Contribute positively to the continued development of the nursery and wider school community.

About You

• Hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Have a minimum of three years' experience working within an Early Years setting.
• Have strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Be hardworking, reliable, enthusiastic and committed to delivering high-quality care.
• Bring a positive, can-do attitude and be willing to get involved and help colleagues wherever needed.
• Be flexible, adaptable and comfortable supporting different areas of the nursery when required.
• Be confident communicating with parents and discussing children's progress, achievements and development.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy building relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Be proactive, organised and able to use their initiative.
• Enjoy working as part of a close-knit team where everyone supports one another.
• Be eager to continue learning and developing professionally.
• Be looking for a long-term position where they can grow and progress within the school.
• Above all, the school is looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with children, takes pride in their work and wants to become a valued member of the team.

Working Hours & Shift Pattern

This is a 42-hour max working week across five days, with start times between 7:30am and 9:30am, depending on the scheduled finishing time.

• Three days finishing at 6:00pm
• One day finishing at 5:15pm
• One day finishing at 2:15pm

The nursery aims to support staff with flexible starts within this rota and one early afternoon finish each week, helping them balance work with personal commitments.

The school values flexibility and teamwork while recognising the importance of stability and work-life balance.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary of £27,500-£32,500 per year, depending on experience.
• 35 days' annual leave, plus your birthday off.
• Nursery closure during the first week of August.
• Christmas closure through to New Year.
• Start times between 7:30am and 9:30am, depending on the scheduled finishing time.
• One 2:15pm finish each week, alongside one 5:15pm finish and three 6:00pm finishes.
• Supportive leadership and a genuinely welcoming, family-oriented environment.
• Excellent staff retention, with some team members having worked at the school for 15-20 years.
• Dedicated time and support for CPD courses, professional training and development.
• Opportunities for long-term career growth and progression within the school.
• Modern facilities and a well-resourced learning environment.
• Childcare discount.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Refer-a-friend bonus.
• Long-service rewards.

Start Date

The nursery is looking for someone to start ASAP or in January 2027, depending on availability.

Safeguarding

Create Education and our partner settings are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and full pre-employment screening.

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.