At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's development through engaging activities in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Play Away Nursery, dedicated to high-quality early years care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £1,000 joining bonus, 75% off childcare fees, and 24 days annual leave.
- Other info: Convenient location with excellent transport links and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 childcare qualification and experience in Early Years.
The predicted salary is between 29432 - 29432 £ per year.
Located on the High Street in Totton, just a 3-minute walk from the train station, our nursery is ideally placed for easy commuting. With nearby local businesses and our own on-site car park, commuting is quick and convenient. Our nursery offers five spacious, age-appropriate rooms where children progress at their own pace. At Play Away, we celebrate every stage of childhood, supporting smooth transitions between groups to ensure each child feels confident, settled, and happy. We provide rich sensory experiences, opportunities for imaginative play, and a strong focus on social development.
A standout feature of our setting is our inspiring outdoor environment. With thoughtfully designed spaces and all-weather protection from large, colourful sails, children enjoy outdoor play every day—whether exploring, staying active, or taking time to relax in calm, quiet areas.
Our friendly, long-standing and highly experienced team is at the heart of everything we do. We’re passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment for both children and staff, and we’re always excited to welcome new team members who share our commitment to high-quality early years care.
We are currently seeking a Nursery Practitioner to join our team. This full-time role requires working 40 hours per week. The ideal candidate will hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification. Please note, this is a year-round position, as the nursery operates throughout the year and is not term-time only.
Why Join Us?
- £1,000 joining bonus
- Referral programme: Refer a friend and earn up to £750
- Employee Childcare Discounts: 75% off nursery fees for our team members
- Annual Leave: Starting at 24 days, plus a paid day off for your birthday and bank holidays
- Health and Wellbeing Programme: Confidential employee assistance helpline available
- Development: Tailored learning and development opportunities to support your career growth
- Excellent Transport Links
As Nursery Practitioner, you will:
- Ensure that each child’s individual needs are met and a high standard of professional care and education is delivered in a caring, safe and secure environment in which all children can play, learn and develop.
- Observe, assess and plan an interesting, stimulating and challenging range of early years activities which supports each child’s individual learning and development needs and abilities.
- Engage as a professional member of the team, exhibiting a flexible attitude and willingness to develop new skills.
- Ensure that company policies and procedures are read, applied, reviewed regularly and adhered to by all.
- Follow risk assessments diligently and report all health and safety matters to management.
- Enhance the all-around daily needs of children, including their physical, intellectual, social and emotional development.
*Duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive or restrictive; changes and other duties relevant to this post may be added.
As Nursery Practitioner, you will need:
- Full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification - essential
- Fluent in written and spoken English - essential
- Over 1 year’s experience of working in Early Years - desirable
- Knowledge of the Statutory framework for the EYFS and regulatory requirements - desirable
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.
The Play Away Nursery - Totton 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.
Locations
Nursery Practitioner in Hampshire, Totton employer: Family First Nursery Group
At Play Away Nursery in Totton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for our staff. With a comprehensive benefits package that includes a £1,000 joining bonus, generous annual leave, and tailored development opportunities, we are dedicated to fostering both personal and professional growth. Our vibrant work culture, combined with excellent transport links and a commitment to high-quality early years care, makes us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful employment in childcare.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner in Hampshire, Totton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll past Play Away Nursery and soak in the vibe. Familiarise yourself with their outdoor spaces and how they engage children in play. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on common questions for nursery practitioners, like how you would handle specific situations with children. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for early years education.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of activities you've planned or implemented in previous roles. Whether it's a fun sensory play idea or a creative learning project, showcasing your experience can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner in Hampshire, Totton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how much you care about nurturing children's development and creating a fun learning environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the specific requirements of the Nursery Practitioner role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your skills and experiences effectively without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Play Away Nursery!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Statutory framework for the EYFS and regulatory requirements. Brush up on your knowledge of child development and how to create engaging activities that cater to individual needs. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also passionate about early years education.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created a nurturing environment in previous roles. Talk about your favourite activities to do with kids and how you support their social and emotional development.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that demonstrate your interest in the nursery’s approach and values. Ask about their methods for supporting transitions between groups or how they incorporate outdoor play into their curriculum. This shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations with children. Think about scenarios involving conflict resolution, engaging a shy child, or planning an activity for a diverse group. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
