At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a nurturing, stimulating environment for babies and young children to thrive.
- Company: The Rise Nursery, part of St Peter's School York, opening in January 2027.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a creative and caring setting.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher.
The predicted salary is between 27455 - 27455 £ per year.
Overview
The Rise Nursery is part of St Peter's School York and is due to open as a registered setting in January 2027. We will be open 50 weeks a year and offer exceptional childcare and education to babies and children aged 6 months–3 years. Our Nursery is planned and led by a qualified and highly experienced EYFS teacher and offers something very special to our families. We will have three beautifully and intentionally resourced rooms for our Wrens (youngest babies), Robins (older babies) and Finches (2‑3 year olds). We also have a separate kitchen and dining room, a library/sensory space and a large art studio led by a full‑time art specialist. Outside we have a beautiful large walled nursery garden, Forest School, acres of school grounds and local parks and attractions to visit. Nurturing and respecting the individuality of every child is at the heart of all we do; we want our children to have the freedom to explore their own ideas and fascinations, and for practitioners to be calm and connected, responding to the children with joy, expertise, creativity and care.
What Your Role Involves
- Create a safe, stimulating, language‑rich and child‑led learning environment where babies and children thrive.
- Plan 'in the moment' in response to the play of babies and young children, expanding the learning possibilities in creative and exciting ways.
- Be a devoted, compassionate and attuned keyperson.
- Assess and support children's learning milestones and share these through our focus child approach with parents.
- Fully engage with our training programme and Curiosity Approach and Reggio Emilia Inspired philosophy.
- Be a committed, positive and collaborative member of the team, supporting new staff in the team and being a great team player.
- Offer thoughtful, unhurried and reassuring communication with parents and carers and build positive relationships with families.
General
- Health & Safety – You have a legal duty to take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others and you are expected to be familiar with, and adhere to, St Peter's School's Health and Safety policy.
- School values – You have a duty to ensure your work, communication and approach conforms to the school's core values and mission. You will need to be aware and comply with school rules, policies and procedures at all times including, but not limited to, those relating to safeguarding, conduct, equality and data protection.
Fundraising and Diversity Statement
St Peter's School strives to be diverse and inclusive. We encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the school. The school is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and pupils. This means that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender, marital status or other reason. The post holder is expected to always comply with the provisions set out in law and the St Peter's policies on equality and diversity.
Qualifications
St Peter's School is looking for a caring, creative and devoted practitioner who places the needs and interests of the children at the centre of their practice and is passionate about developing their expertise. To be considered for this role, you must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher. St Peter's School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment by always complying with the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. The successful applicant will be required to undergo statutory pre‑employment checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Post Level Three Nursery Practitioner
Department: The Rise Nursery
Responsible to: The Nursery Manager
Salary and Working Hours
Salary: £27,455 p.a. (Point 3 on the Support Pay Scale)
Working hours: 38‑40 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 08:00‑18:00 over four or five days
Start Date: 27th August 2026
Nursery Level Three Practioner employer: St Peter's School
The Rise Nursery, part of St Peter's School York, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of both its children and staff. With a nurturing work culture, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow their expertise in a supportive environment. Located in a beautifully resourced setting with ample outdoor space, practitioners can thrive while making a meaningful impact on young lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Level Three Practioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's philosophy and values before your interview. This way, you can show how your approach aligns with their focus on nurturing individuality and creativity in children.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've created engaging learning environments in the past. Share stories that highlight your ability to respond to children's needs and interests in a calm and creative way.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about their training programmes and how they implement the Curiosity Approach and Reggio Emilia philosophy. It shows you're genuinely interested and eager to learn.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re keen to be part of our community from the get-go.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Level Three Practioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about nurturing and supporting children's development, so share your experiences and what inspires you in this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the values and mission of St Peter's School. Highlight how your approach aligns with our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating a safe, stimulating environment for children.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; be specific about how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for the Nursery Level Three Practitioner role. We love to see examples of how you've created engaging learning environments or supported children's milestones.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Peter's School
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the Reggio Emilia approach. Be ready to discuss how you can create a stimulating, child-led environment that nurtures individuality and creativity.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your love for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in previous roles, highlighting your ability to respond to their needs and interests with joy and creativity.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your collaborative spirit. Talk about times when you've supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team atmosphere. The Rise Nursery values teamwork, so showing you're a great team player will definitely work in your favour.
✨Engage with Parents
Prepare to discuss how you would build relationships with parents and carers. Think of examples where you've communicated effectively with families, ensuring they feel involved in their child's learning journey. This is key to creating a supportive nursery environment.
