Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is delighted to offer fantastic opportunities to work within our Taplins Nurseries.
Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.
This vacancy does not meet the Home Office threshold for sponsorship; therefore we are unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.
Main duties
Taplins Nurseries, part of UHS, are recruiting experienced and newly qualified Nursery Practitioners who hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) to provide high‑quality childcare for NHS families and support a supportive, valuing workplace environment.
* Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 07:00–18:30 (closed on bank holidays)
* Work patterns: Full‑time and part‑time roles available with flexible working open for discussion
* Salary: £25,760–£27,476 per annum (£13.17–£14.05 per hour equivalent)
* Location: Taplins Southampton General (SO16 6YD) and Trust Taplins Western Community Hospital (SO16 4XE)
Benefits
* Work life balance – Flexible opportunities, including a 4‑day working week for full‑time roles (37.5 hours)
* Generous leave – 35 days paid annual leave rising with service, alongside enhanced maternity and paternity pay, compassionate leave and support during unforeseen circumstances
* Discounts and wellbeing – Access to Blue Light Card and other local and nationwide staff discounts
* Flexible earning opportunities – Option to take on additional hours through NHS Professionals (NHSP)
Other Staff Benefits
* Travel discounts – including 10% off BlueStar and UniLink bus passes
* Vivup salary sacrifice schemes – savings on home and electronics, cycle to work, bike shop purchases, gym membership, travel and leisure
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential support for wellbeing and counselling, financial concerns and debt advice
* Car benefit scheme (Tusker) – access to a brand‑new fully maintained car via salary sacrifice
* Local and nationwide NHS discounts – including free membership at The Company Shop (Southampton), 10% off at Asda, access to Blue Light Card and family‑friendly offers such as kids‑eat free promotions and discounted activities
* Refer‑a‑friend scheme – earn up to £1,000 for successful referrals (where applicable)
* NHS Agenda for Change protections – clear pay structures, annual incremental progression and fair, transparent employment processes
* Long‑term job security – working within a large NHS Trust with access to redeployment and internal career opportunities
Your Responsibilities Will Include
* Creating a safe, secure and engaging environment for children
* Planning and delivering EYFS‑based activities that support learning and development
* Acting as a key person, building strong relationships with children and families
* Maintaining developmental records and online learning journals (Tapestry)
* Supporting children with additional needs in partnership with the SENDCo
* Upholding high standards of hygiene, health and safety
* Supporting mealtimes and daily routines
* Working collaboratively within a positive and supportive nursery team
Person Specification – Qualifications, Training and Experience
To be considered for this role, you must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent. We welcome both experienced and newly qualified Level 3 practitioners and offer dedicated mentorship and training.
Essential criteria
* Good standard of secondary education with literacy and numeracy skills demonstrable to GCSE pass level or equivalent standard
* Willingness and ability to undertake Food Safety trainingRecent previous experiences of working with 3 months – 5-year-olds within a childcare setting
* To hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years Qualification or above. If level 3 qualified post June 2016, to also hold a full paediatric first aid (PFA) or an emergency PFA certificate
Desirable criteria
* Current paediatric and/or first aid at work certificate if qualified pre- June 2016, or if candidate holds a qualification higher than level 3
* Current food hygiene certificate
Alignment with Trust Values
* Patients First
* Working Together
* Always Improving
Safeguarding
All staff are expected to uphold safeguarding commitments. Appointments are subject to appropriate pre‑employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, verification of qualifications and satisfactory references.
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