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- Tasks: Support the Nursery Teacher in delivering engaging early years education and care.
- Company: Old Buckenham Hall School, a prestigious preparatory school in beautiful Suffolk.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and a nurturing work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in a nursery setting.
- Other info: Join a dynamic school community with a commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 24810 - 27428 £ per year.
Fixed Term until 3 July 2026. Old Buckenham Hall School is set in 85 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland and is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious preparatory schools. We provide children aged 2 to 13 with a rigorous curriculum, exceptional co-curricular opportunities, and outstanding pastoral care. Our pupils go on to attend some of the most aspirational senior schools in the UK, often with scholarships.
We are seeking a Nursery Practitioner to join our dedicated team in the Pre-Prep department. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and caring individual to deliver an excellent standard of care and education to children aged 2 to 4 years old, preparing them for entry into Reception.
Key details
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Salary: £24,810 – £27,428 FTE
- Hours: 08:00 – 16:20, Monday to Friday, term-time only
- Contract: Fixed Term until 3 July 2026
Responsibilities
- Support the Nursery Teacher in planning and delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
- Create a stimulating and engaging learning environment for all children.
- Act as a Key Person for a group of children, monitoring and supporting their development.
- Communicate effectively with parents regarding children’s progress.
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and inclusion policies are adhered to.
- Promote positive behaviour and wellbeing within the Nursery.
- Participate in wider school activities, including assemblies and seasonal events.
Requirements
- Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
- At least 12 months’ experience working in a nursery or early years setting post-qualification.
- Strong understanding of child development and EYFS statutory guidance.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
We value individuals who are enthusiastic, professional, and committed to supporting the development of our pupils in a nurturing environment.
How to apply
Please register and complete an application via our recruitment portal which can be found at www.rugbyschool.co.uk/about/employment-opportunities
Important dates
- Closing date: 12 February 2026
- Applications will be considered upon receipt and we reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.
Safeguarding and equal opportunities
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are key facets of our core ethos that ‘the Whole Person is the Whole point’. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or age.
Recruitment policy
We have a team of internal recruiters and advertise our vacancies to attract candidates and not agency suppliers. If we need agency assistance, we will reach out to our trusted partners. Any speculative CVs we receive will not be accepted as an introduction.
Nursery Practitioner in Ipswich employer: Rugby School Group
Contact Detail:
Rugby School Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Old Buckenham Hall and understand its values, curriculum, and community. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your understanding of the EYFS curriculum. Have examples ready that showcase your experience and how you’ve positively impacted children's development.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about their development and education, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Practitioner role. Highlight your Level 3 Early Years qualification and any experience you have in early years settings. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the closing date to submit your application. We review applications as they come in, so applying early gives you a better chance. Head over to our website and get your application in today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rugby School Group
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Be ready to discuss how you would implement it in your role as a Nursery Practitioner. Think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding and ability to create engaging learning environments.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Nursery Practitioner, you'll need to communicate effectively with both children and parents. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully communicated children's progress or handled sensitive conversations with parents. This will show your ability to foster strong relationships within the nursery setting.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Child Development
Be prepared to talk about your approach to supporting children's development. Share your insights on child behaviour and wellbeing, and how you promote positive interactions among children. This will highlight your commitment to nurturing their growth and development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as managing challenging behaviour or ensuring safety in the nursery. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
