Qualified Nursery Practitioner (Level 3) in Andover

Farleigh School is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Qualified Nursery Practitioner to join us at a truly exciting time. Following a successful opening in September 2026 and increasing demand for places, we are looking to grow our team and are seeking a qualified Nursery Practitioner to join us in January 2027. W e are seeking to appoint a Qualified Nursery Practitioner from August 2026 to assist the nursery team in delivering a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that promotes children’s learning and development in line with the EYFS, whilst ensuring high standards of practice and positive partnerships with families.

The new nursery space is housed in its own dedicated building, with outdoor play areas, close access to the Pre-Prep woodland for Forest School activities, and the extensive Farleigh grounds right on its doorstep.

This opening of the nursery has been an exciting venture offering the opportunity to help shape and develop a thriving, all-round nursery within a successful independent school. We are proud to bring the Farleigh ethos to even the youngest children, because "this is where it all begins." With close links to the Kindergarten and Pre-Prep, we believe the Farleigh Nursery offers something truly special for both children and staff.

The Qualified Nursery Practitioner will play an important role in creating a warm, engaging, and child‑centred early years environment. Working closely with the Nursery Manager, Deputy Nursery Manager and Nursery Room Leaders, you will support the delivery of high-quality childcare and education whilst ensuring that all practice aligns with regulatory requirements and safeguarding expectations. You will contribute to planning and providing stimulating learning experiences, build positive and trusting relationships with children and their families, and help create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to develop to their full potential. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated early years professional who is passionate about supporting children’s learning and development within a supportive and forward-thinking nursery setting.

We are seeking an individual to work for 40+ weeks per year. The core requirement is Monday to Friday, based on a 4‑day rota, working 40 hours per week between 7:30am and 6:00pm.

However, for the right applicant with the necessary skills and experience, we are flexible regarding alternative working patterns — including the possibility of distributing hours across 5 days. Applicants are encouraged to outline their preferred working hours and pattern within their application.

The ideal candidate will have:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• A relevant NVQ level 3 qualification or above
• Grade 4 or 5 English and Maths GCSE’s or equivalent level 2 functional skills.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team
• Be committed to providing the best possible outcomes for every child
• Confident in building relationships with parents, children and colleagues
• Up to date knowledge of safeguarding
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS
• Passionate about early childhood development and committed to delivering outstanding care and education
• Supportive, approachable, and highly organised
• A team player with a proactive, “can-do” attitude
• High attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement
• A sense of humour, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure

Particular Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the EYFS framework and child development, applying this knowledge to plan, deliver, and evaluate age-appropriate activities that support children's individual interests, learning, and development.
• Support children's progress through regular observations, assessments, and accurate record-keeping, maintaining learning journeys and contributing to the identification and appropriate escalation of any additional needs or concerns.
• Act as a Key Person for a group of children, building strong, nurturing relationships with children and their families to support children's emotional well-being, development, and successful learning outcomes.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and inclusive environment by following all nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments, and equality, diversity, and inclusion practices.
• Promote children's health and well-being by encouraging positive habits relating to nutrition, hygiene, physical activity, and emotional resilience.
• Work collaboratively as part of the nursery team, communicating effectively with colleagues and parents/carers, contributing to planning and team meetings, and supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the setting.
• Help maintain a stimulating, well-organised learning environment, ensuring resources are safe, clean, accessible, and developmentally appropriate for the children in your care.
• Act as a positive role model by maintaining high standards of professionalism, conduct, appearance, and punctuality, whilst supporting a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality practice.
• Take responsibility for your ongoing professional development by attending training, implementing learning in practice, and reflecting on your performance to support continuous improvement.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post and consistent with the nature of the nursery and wider school environment.
• Any other duties which may be assigned commensurate with the post and in keeping with the nature of the Prep school environment

Farleigh School is a co-educational organisation that believes strongly in equal opportunity for all.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

• Hot lunch
• Company events
• Company pension
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Farleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo appropriate Child Protection Screening, including references from past employers, an enhanced DBS disclosure and an online search in line with safer recruitment.

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