Nursery Practitioner in Penzance

Newlyn School is seeking a warm, positive and motivated Nursery Practitioner to join our growing Early Years team. Initially for a fixed term, we are looking for someone with a calm, nurturing approach who also brings ambition, creativity and high expectations for every child. Our ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting young learners to grow, explore and thrive in a rich and inspiring environment.

As a Nursery Practitioner at Newlyn School, you will work closely with teaching colleagues and Early Years staff to deliver high‑quality learning experiences through play‑based, child‑centred provision. You will be confident in leading small groups, supporting individual children, and contributing to purposeful activities that promote communication, early literacy, early mathematics, social development and independence.

In the Early Years at Newlyn School, every interaction matters. We are looking for a practitioner who can provide:

• High‑Quality Interactions: Engage children in purposeful conversations that extend their language, curiosity and critical thinking. Use open‑ended questions, modelling, repetition and rich vocabulary to deepen learning. Tune in to children’s interests and follow their lead, supporting sustained shared thinking.
• Emotion Coaching & Nurture: Use emotion coaching strategies to help children understand, label and regulate their feelings. Support children to develop empathy, resilience and positive relationships through co‑regulation. Model warm, predictable and emotionally safe interactions that build trust and confidence.
• Progressive, Play‑Based Learning: Plan and facilitate rich, meaningful experiences in continuous provision that link directly to learning goals. Adapt activities so children of all needs and abilities can access, explore and progress at their own pace. Observe children closely and use these observations to shape next steps in learning.
• Early Phonics & Pre‑Literacy: Support children with early phonics, focusing on developing listening skills, sound discrimination, oral blending and segmenting. Create playful, multisensory opportunities for early reading and mark‑making. Build early literacy confidence through songs, rhymes, rhythm, storytelling, and sound‑rich environments.

This dedicated EYFS practice is woven into everything we do; the right candidate will bring enthusiasm, curiosity and professional skill to each moment of learning through play.

The successful candidate will:

• Support the planning and delivery of engaging, inclusive Early Years learning opportunities.
• Work 1:1, with small groups and as part of whole‑class provision under the guidance of the Nursery management team and EYFS Lead.
• Help create a nurturing, stimulating environment where every child feels safe, valued and able to thrive.
• Contribute to observations, assessments and next steps that inform children’s progress and development.
• Support personalised provision, including for children with additional needs, helping every child access learning successfully.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Engage fully with all aspects of school life—including Forest School, Beach School, clubs and wrap‑around care where possible.

There are also opportunities to support with Holiday Club events should you wish to.

Staff Development:

• High‑quality teaching and learning strategies
• Therapeutic approaches
• Pedagogical development aligned with best Early Years practice
• Ongoing CPD opportunities to support you to grow, specialise and make a meaningful difference

Our Vision: At Newlyn School we are deeply committed to ensuring all children become confident, ambitious, curious learners who leave us proud of who they are and where they come from. We guide children to achieve well academically, grow emotionally and socially, and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging within our community. We are incredibly proud of our nurturing and inclusive environment, and we warmly welcome applications from those who share our vision.

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to arrange a personalised visit—come and witness the joy, creativity and community spirit that make Newlyn School such a special place.

About You: You will have a child‑centered approach, and will provide a creative, inclusive and challenging curriculum which inspires and motivates children and supports high quality teaching and learning both indoors and out.

• Is flexible, enthusiastic and eager to be part of a collaborative, supportive team.
• Places children’s needs, wellbeing and happiness at the heart of their practice.
• Brings creativity and adaptability to design learning experiences accessible to all children.
• Is reflective, proactive and committed to continuous professional growth.
• Has experience supporting young children, including those with SEND (desirable but not essential).
• Shows passion, warmth, patience and a genuine love of Early Years education.

What the school offers its staff:

• A competitive salary
• National terms and conditions of employment and access to either Teachers Pension or Local Government Pension Schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye voucher scheme
• Access to CPD and career pathways to further develop your career
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which provides employees with free confidential advice and support on a variety of personal, family or workplace issues

Commitment to safeguarding: Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical, online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work satisfactory references, suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.