Nursery Practitioner (Maternity Cover) in Winchester

Founded in 1949 in Winchester, Prince’s Mead is a co‑educational day preparatory school for children aged 3 to 11. These characteristics allow it to stand out from other independent schools in the area and place it in a unique position to enable children to move on to a wide variety of secondary schools and particularly the very good 11+ day schools in Hampshire and beyond. Senior school destinations are never prescriptive, however, and the school works closely with parents to prepare children for the full range of possible choices. In September 2025, Prince’s Mead merged with King Edward VI School in Southampton. This merger has provided both schools with exciting opportunities for all and secured the educational and financial future of the KES group for generations to come.

Overview of this role

We are seeking an outstanding EYFS Practitioner who is passionate about early childhood education, to join us as maternity cover. They must hold a minimum Level 3 in Early Years Childcare, or equivalent. We believe in a child‑centred approach where our curious youngest children are provided with stimulating play and are encouraged to free‑flow in their learning and play, both inside and outside. Our school is renowned for the partnerships that we build with our parents and families. This starts with our Nursery Practitioners who are each responsible for a group of key children. In this way, each child feels known, understood, safe and cared for. Prince’s Mead Nursery is year‑round and offers a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 4, most of whom transition into Reception.

Our Nursery offers:

• A warm, nurturing and fun start to each child’s education.
• Free‑flow learning and play supervised by highly experienced staff.
• Flexible hours for families from 8.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
• Healthy, balanced food made on site by our professional Chef.
• Stimulating and fresh setting in our stunning Coach House.
• Extensive grounds including Forest School, Early Years’ garden, playgrounds, sports hall, playing fields, tennis courts, Dining Hall and 12 acres of secure countryside.
• Individual attention in a calm, focused environment building towards a seamless move to Reception.

Personal Specification

The Nursery Practitioner will work alongside our Head of Nursery and will report to the Head of EYFS.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Level 3 in Early Years Childcare or equivalent.
• Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications.
• A strong awareness of child protection and safeguarding.
• Ability to work independently as well as be a team player.
• Secure and respectful interpersonal skills with a flexible, adaptable and positive attitude towards staff and pupils.
• Strong communication skills to promote and develop effective, trusting relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.
• A passion for an individual child’s development and growth.

The Role

The successful candidate will be employed for 40 hours per week, on a year‑round, 52‑week contract, from Monday to Friday. The duties and responsibilities listed below are not exhaustive or restrictive:

• Ensure that practice and provision in the Nursery meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Statutory Framework.
• Support the whole team in delivering the EYFS Framework – with efficient assessment and recording of the progress and attainment of pupils.
• Help with the day‑to‑day running of the Nursery.
• Provide professional and outstanding care throughout the day, following the school’s policies and procedures.
• Promote the aims and objectives of the Nursery, to reflect the school’s Crown Values.
• Promote the high standards of the Nursery at all times to parents, staff and visitors.
• Ensure that all children attending the Nursery receive rich and stimulating experiences appropriate to their age and stage of development and be familiar with all their medical, SEND and other individual needs.
• Ensure that children are kept safe and that staff understand and follow safeguarding procedures.
• Promote and facilitate partnerships with parents and other family members, through handovers, parents’ evenings and regular reporting.
• Create and maintain a culture of self‑evaluation and reflective practice throughout the Nursery.
• Maintain respect and confidentiality, as appropriate.
• Engage in and maintain professional development activities.
• Attend safeguarding and paediatric first aid training.

Remuneration

Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience, within the range: £28,000 to £29,000.

Benefits:

• A competitive company pension scheme.
• Contractual sick pay.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and training.
• An incredibly happy, supportive and committed team.
• Free on‑site parking, meals and refreshments.
• Discount for school‑age children at Prince’s Mead.

Safeguarding Statement

Prince’s Mead puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school. There is a commitment to keep safeguarding at the forefront of every employee and volunteer’s mind. We encourage a culture of challenge, not just to act when there is a need, but also in the way we think to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils’ individual welfare are minimised. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and pre‑employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies. Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre‑employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment. We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders, both of which are available on request. If shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.

Equal Opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer, Prince’s Mead is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Prince’s Mead.