At a Glance
- Tasks: Nurture young minds through creative play and high-quality care.
- Company: Join the supportive team at Itchen College Nursery.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, holiday perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, free gym access, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 qualification in Childcare and Education required.
The predicted salary is between 21578 - 26343 € per year.
Ready to nurture young minds through care, creativity and play? Due to continued expansion, Itchen College Nursery is delighted to invite applications for a confident, enthusiastic and experienced Childcare Practitioner to join our friendly and supportive team. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated early years professional who is passionate about creating a warm, inspiring and nurturing environment where children can thrive. Working as part of an outstanding nursery team, you will help to deliver high-quality care and engaging learning experiences that support every child’s development. If you are energetic, flexible and committed to making a real difference in children’s lives, this could be the perfect next step in your childcare career. If you are ready to bring creativity, care and enthusiasm to an outstanding early years setting, we want to hear from you.
Why Join Itchen College Nursery?
- Good rates of pay
- Holiday pay included
- 2 weeks off at Christmas plus all Bank Holidays
- Access to the College pension scheme
- Continuous professional development training
- Incentives and opportunities to progress further professionally
- A positive and encouraging working environment
- Part-time hours considered as part of a job share
Hours: 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time only)
Salary: SCP 5-8 currently FTE £25,159 – £26,343 pro rata, per annum
Actual Salary: SCP 5 £21,578 p/a
Closing Date: Friday 5th June 2026
Interview Date: w/c Monday 8th June 2026
Start Date: Flexible (As soon as possible or September 2026)
Itchen College is a thriving Sixth Form College with a broad curriculum offer to meet the needs of the local community. The college is situated in pleasant surroundings to the east of Southampton with excellent local transport links. Ofsted inspected the college in September 2024, grading overall provision as Outstanding with Outstanding Quality of Education, Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes, Outstanding Leadership and Management, Outstanding Education Programmes for Young People and Outstanding Provision for Learners with High Needs. The college is committed to supporting staff wellbeing and professional development. The college has an excellent in-house CPD programme for all teaching and support staff including a dedicated programme for Early Career Teachers. The college also has close links with the Southampton Education Forum, the Wessex Group and the SFCA, including subject groups and CPD opportunities at all levels. The college offers a wide range of benefits for staff including free parking, an onsite nursery, occupational pension schemes, an Employee Assistance Programme and free use of the college gym.
Key Responsibilities
- Support children’s learning, development and wellbeing through high-quality care and play-based activities
- Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate experiences in line with the EYFS
- Create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child can flourish
- Support children with a range of needs, including those with SEND, in line with the SEND Code of Practice
- Work closely with colleagues to maintain excellent standards of practice across the nursery
- Build positive relationships with children, parents and carers
- Promote safeguarding, health, safety and hygiene at all times
- Bring creativity, flexibility and enthusiasm to a busy early years setting
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education
- A strong understanding of the EYFS and SEND Code of Practice
- A flexible, hands-on approach with a passion for supporting young learners
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- A warm, caring and proactive attitude
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths is desirable
- Availability to work between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, with shift patterns to be discussed at interview and the option to work your hours over 4 days
Workplace Benefits
- Values-driven culture - we’re really proud of our culture. We’re looking for someone who is as driven by our college values as we are!
- Learning and Development - access to support and resources to drive your own development.
- Free parking - free on-site parking, as well as good public transport links.
- Eyecare Scheme
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Free On-Site Gym & Sports Facilities
- Free Flu Jabs
- Free Hot Drinks for Staff
- Canteen - freshly prepared food with plenty of choice.
- 1 Life Event Day - to recognise life’s big moments like a wedding, graduation, moving house.
- Staff Discount Schemes - discounts and deals on national attractions, entertainment, days out, theme parks, holiday insurance and many national retailers.
- Employee Loyalty Celebration Reward Scheme - cash and rewards to acknowledge and celebrate staff commitment and loyalty to the College.
- On-Site College Nursery with priority given to college staff
- Access to College Library
- Free College WiFi
- Compassionate Leave - up to 5 days paid time off to attend to matters relating to the death or serious illness of a loved one.
- Counselling Service - Access to qualified therapy-based support.
- Pension Scheme - Enrolment to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) (eligibility criteria applies).
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Enhanced Family Leave
Childcare Practitioner in Southampton employer: Itchen Sixth Form College
Itchen College Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and dynamic environment for Childcare Practitioners to thrive. With a strong commitment to professional growth, competitive pay, and a range of benefits including free parking, onsite gym facilities, and a supportive team culture, we prioritise the wellbeing and development of our staff. Join us in making a meaningful impact on young lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in a college renowned for its outstanding educational provision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Practitioner in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Itchen College Nursery if you can. Familiarise yourself with their environment and think about how you can contribute to their nurturing atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring along some ideas for engaging activities or play-based learning experiences that align with the EYFS. This will demonstrate your passion and readiness to make a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! The nursery values collaboration, so think of examples from your past experiences where you worked well with others to support children's development. This will show you're a great fit for their friendly team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to join us at Itchen College Nursery. Head over to our site, fill out your application, and let’s get the ball rolling on your exciting new career!
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Practitioner in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for childcare shine through! Share specific examples of how you've nurtured young minds in the past and why you're excited about this role at Itchen College Nursery.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. Focus on your Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education, and any hands-on experience you have with the EYFS and SEND Code of Practice.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally. Talk about why you want to join our friendly team and how you can contribute to creating a warm and inspiring environment for children. Keep it genuine and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you're keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Itchen Sixth Form College
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you would implement it in your daily activities and how it supports children's development. This shows that you're not just familiar with the guidelines but can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share specific examples of creative activities you've planned or led in previous roles. Think about how you can engage children through play-based learning. This will demonstrate your ability to create a stimulating environment that aligns with the nursery's values.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with colleagues, be ready to talk about your experience in team settings. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to maintain high standards of care and education. This will show that you value teamwork and can contribute positively to the nursery's culture.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Values
Research Itchen College Nursery's values and be prepared to ask insightful questions about their commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also that you align with their mission to create a supportive environment for both staff and children.
