Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries | Full time
Nursery Practitioner
Southwater, United Kingdom | Posted on 07/08/2026
Job Title: Nursery Practitioner – Forest & Farm School Nursery
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Salary: Up to £30,000 per year
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Why Join Us?
About the Role
We’re Little Barn Owls Nursery Group – an award‑winning, Reggio Emilia‑inspired nursery based in beautiful West Sussex. Recently named 2024 Nursery World Award Winners, we’re now looking for passionate Nursery Practitioners to join our fun, creative and nature‑loving team!
You’ll be part of a group that champions outdoor learning, imaginative play, and meaningful connections with children and families.
What You’ll Do
- Support children aged 6 months to 5 years in their learning and development
- Create a warm, stimulating and safe environment
- Engage children in outdoor play, forest school and farm‑based activities
- Observe and track development, helping children meet their milestones
- Build positive relationships with families
- Work closely with your team to deliver an inspiring, child‑led curriculum
- Get stuck in! (We don’t mind a bit of mud and mess around here)
What You’ll Need
- Passion for Early Years and outdoor learning
- A caring, can‑do attitude and team spirit
- Good understanding of EYFS & safeguarding
- Bonus: experience with Reggio Emilia or Forest School – but not essential!
Training & Development
After your 3‑month induction, you’ll be enrolled in the Little Barn Owls Training Academy, completing 12 practical, self‑paced modules designed to make you an Outstanding Early Years Educator. You’ll also receive 1:1 mentoring and opportunities for international training!
More Benefits
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Long‑service rewards and loyalty bonuses
- Option to buy/sell annual leave
- Access to health cash plan & Employee Assistance Programme
- Career progression & internal promotion opportunities
- Work alongside professional artists in creative studios (Ateliers)
Hours
- Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 6:00pm
- Full‑time only (we are open 51 weeks/year)
- Enhanced DBS check and references required
- We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer
- We are committed to safeguarding all children and staff
About Little Barn Owls
With four beautiful nurseries across West Sussex, we’re known for combining child‑led learning with the magic of nature and creativity.
Nursery World UK Nursery Group of the Year 2020
UK Nursery of the Year 2015
Apply Now to join our award‑winning nursery family and grow your early years career with purpose, passion, and play.
Nursery Practitioner - £1000 welcome bonus! in Southwater employer: Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries
Little Barn Owls Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and creative environment where you can lead and inspire young minds. With a strong commitment to employee development through our Training Academy and international CPD opportunities, we ensure that our staff grow alongside the children they care for. Enjoy competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and the chance to work in a Reggio Emilia-inspired setting that values creativity and child-led learning.
Contact Details:
Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries Recruitment Team
