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We are seeking an enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly Nursery team at an exciting time as we increase our Early Years provision from term time only to a full time Nursery provision providing care from babies through to Pre-school.
The successful candidate will ideally have a Level 3 in Early Years Education and should be experienced in planning inspiring activities for children to explore and enjoy. However, we are open to experienced candidates who don’t have a Level 3 qualification. They will be able to demonstrate a track record of high-quality teaching and supporting children within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The role is a full time, year round role and will initially be in our current Nursery room working with children aged 2-4 years. We are also open to part time applicants at 20 hours per week.
We invite applications from experienced candidates to contribute further to standards of excellence, who love children and aspire to work in a happy and fulfilling environment. Early Years Practitioners report to the Nursery Manager.
Our Henley nursery is located on St Andrews Road and forms part of the evolving educational landscape in the town. During 2026 and 2027, this setting will join with a partner school at Bell Street, to form a new combined prep school across two sites.
The nursery currently caters for children aged 2–4+, grounded in EYFS practice. Over the coming year, the Nursery Manager will lead expansion to year‑round provision and work towards day‑nursery Ofsted registration allowing the nursery to offer care to babies from the age of three months. We are looking for passionate practioners to join our team at this pivotal moment, offering you the unique opportunity to grow alongside us and play a valued role in shaping our expanding provision.
Hours, Salary & Benefits:
Hours: 20 or 40 hours per week, year-round. Permanent role. We are open to full time or part time roles, please let us know what hours you prefer when applying.
Salary: £13.00 per hour unqualified
£13.75 - £13.95 per hour if qualified
20 hours pw - £14,300 - £14,508 pa
40 hours pw - £28,600 - £29,016 pa
Benefits:
1. Means tested staff discount
2. 5% employer pension
3. Complementary lunch
4. 20 days paid holiday + bank holidays
5. Access to the group's counselling scheme
6. Personal accident at work cover
7. Shopping discount card
8. Access to fully funded apprenticeships
9. Discretionary Christmas stand down
10. Opportunities for career development within the Wishford group of schools
Person Specification:
The successful candidate will have a Level 3 in Early Years Education.
11. Experience of working in a nursery.
12. Evidence of a commitment to continuing professional development.
Knowledge & Understanding
13. Demonstrates an enthusiasm and passion for teaching and working with children in EYFS.
14. Ability to monitor, assess, record and report pupil’s progress.
Skills & Aptitudes
15. Ability to create a happy, challenging and effective learning environment.
16. Be able to develop and maintain good professional relationships and contribute positively to all aspects of School life.
17. Be able to motivate and inspire pupils.
18. Excellent communication skills, in verbal and written form
19. Excellent organisational and time management skills.
20. A good standard of written, oral and IT skills.
Disposition
21. Professionalism in all areas such as punctuality, work ethic, honesty, reliability and collaboration.
22. Willingness to work throughout the school if needed.
23. A positive and child-centred approach to teaching with the ability to inspire an enthusiasm for learning.
24. Commitment to the safety and welfare of all pupils.
25. A ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to work hard to get things done.
26. Strong team working skills.
27. Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
28. High degrees of self-confidence, personal energy and dynamism.
29. Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents.
30. Excellent organisational skills and ability to work effectively under pressure.
31. Appropriate levels of personal presentation.
32. An understanding of, and commitment to, the School’s ethos.
33. Good sense of humour and the flexibility and
34. Willingness to be involved in School life.
To read the full job description, please see the candidate pack attached.
Safeguarding Statement
Henley Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to understand and share this commitment. We have a shared commitment to develop a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated. We welcome all applications, including those from under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.