Qualified Early Years Practitioner
Closing date 13 May 2026
Taplins Nurseries at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) are recruiting experienced or newly qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioners to deliver high‑quality childcare for NHS families. The role is for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
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.
Job Summary
Taplins Nurseries provides a supportive environment where staff can focus on rewarding early‑years practice without the pressures often experienced in the private sector.
Main Duties
* Plan and deliver EYFS‑based activities that support learning and development.
* Create a safe, secure and engaging environment for children.
* Act as a key person, building strong relationships with children and families.
* Maintain developmental records and online learning journals (Tapestry).
* Support children with additional needs in partnership with the SENDCo.
* Uphold high standards of hygiene, health and safety.
* Support mealtimes and daily routines.
* Work collaboratively within a positive and supportive nursery team.
Employment Details
* Opening hours: Monday‑Friday, 07:00‑18:30 (closed on bank holidays)
* Work patterns: Full‑time and part‑time roles available; flexible working open for discussion.
* Salary: £25,760‑£27,476 per annum (£13.17‑£14.05 per hour equivalent) with incremental pay progression.
* Locations: Taplins Southampton General (SO16 6YD) and Trust Taplins Western Community Hospital (SO16 4XE).
Benefits
* Work‑life balance: Flexible full‑time and part‑time opportunities, including a 4‑day working week for full‑time roles.
* Generous leave: 35 days paid annual leave rising with service, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, compassionate leave.
* Discounts and well‑being: Access to Blue Light Card, local and national NHS discounts, travel discounts.
* Flexible earning opportunities: Option to take on additional hours through the NHS Professionals staff bank.
Qualifications, Training and Experience
Essential
* Good standard of secondary education with literacy and numeracy skills at GCSE level or equivalent.
* Willingness and ability to undertake Food Safety training.
* Recent previous experience working with 3‑month to 5‑year‑old children within a childcare setting.
* Hold a full Level 3 Early Years Qualification (or higher). If qualified after June 2016, also hold a full paediatric first aid (PFA) or emergency PFA certificate.
Desirable
* Current paediatric and/or first‑aid at work certificate if qualified before June 2016 or holding a qualification higher than level 3.
* Current food hygiene certificate.
Alignment with Trust Values
* Patients First
* Working Together
* Always Improving
Other Information
Appointments are subject to pre‑employment checks including enhanced DBS clearance, verification of qualifications and satisfactory references.
Disclosures such as the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and Disclosure and Barring Service checks apply.
Contract
Permanent
Working Pattern
Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working, Compressed hours
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