Full Time | Permanent | 45 Hours Per Week
Tonbridge, Kent
Salary: £30,139.20 (Level 2) | £31,964.40 (Level 3)
A well-established Early Years setting in Tonbridge is seeking a passionate, motivated Level 2 or Level 3 Nursery Practitioner to join their highly respected and forward-thinking team.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a setting that blends Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian-inspired pedagogy, giving children the freedom to explore, play and learn through curiosity-led experiences with minimal unnecessary adult interruption.
If you value autonomy, outdoor learning and a genuinely child-centred environment, this role will align perfectly with your ethos.
About the Role
This is a full-time, 45-hour position worked across one of the following shift patterns:
• 7:30am – 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch)
• 8:00am – 6:00pm (1 hour unpaid lunch)
Practitioners are not placed permanently in one room. Initially, you will work across all rooms to build relationships and familiarity. Over time, you will be assigned across two rooms on a weekly pattern, with flexibility to move in line with the needs of the setting.
About the Setting
• 113 children on roll
• 5 rooms plus a traditional Mongolian Yurt used in summer
• Fully equipped forest school camp
• Team of 25 staff
• Large outdoor spaces and nature-led environments
The team culture is described as diverse, supportive and collaborative — a mix of ages, skills, cultures and strengths working together to create an outstanding learning environment.
The ethos centres around:
• Freedom and independence for children and adults
• Positive interactions rather than negative interventions
• Minimal instruction and maximum exploration
• Reduced sitting, lining up or adult-led routines
• Respect, curiosity and child-led learning
This is a setting where practitioners are trusted, respected and encouraged to bring their individuality into the role.
What They’re Looking For
• Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification
• A passion for child-led, play-based learning
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Openness to new ideas, pedagogy and reflective practice
• A calm, nurturing and positive approach
• Commitment to safeguarding and high-quality care
Training, CPD & Progression
All staff receive access to over 60 online training courses through Noodle Now, including:
• Safeguarding
• Health & Safety
• Paediatric First Aid
• Food Hygiene
Mandatory courses are completed within the first 6 months. Additional progression opportunities include:
• Level 3 & Level 5 Early Years qualifications
• SENCO training
• Forest school training
• Specialist CPD linked to personal interests
Management actively support career development and will research and consider any training staff wish to pursue.
Salary, Holidays & Benefits
• £30,139.20 per year (Level 2)
• £31,964.40 per year (Level 3)
• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• Free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff fruit delivery
• Well-equipped staff room with fridge, microwave and bottled water
• Excellent outdoor provision and forest school access
• Strong ethos and supportive leadership
How to Apply
If you’re looking for a genuinely inspiring setting where you can grow, contribute and be part of a forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you