Join our Early Years Team as a Nursery Nurse
We’re looking for a caring, creative and dedicated Nursery Nurse to join our warm and welcoming team at Halfpenny Lane. If you’re passionate about giving young children the best possible start in life and creating a nurturing, inspiring early years environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether you're an experienced practitioner or taking the next step in your early years career, you’ll be fully supported by our friendly staff and inclusive school community.
What you’ll do
In this rewarding role, you will:
1. Plan and deliver a balanced and engaging early years curriculum
2. Create a caring, safe and stimulating environment where children can learn through play
3. Provide tailored learning experiences, including support for children with additional needs
4. Build strong, positive relationships with children, parents and carers and work collaboratively as part of a professional, supportive team
What we’re looking for
Someone who:
5. Has experience working with young children
6. Understands early childhood development and current early years practice
7. Is proactive, organised, and attentive to detail
8. Is flexible and committed to contributing to school life
Why join us?
9. A chance to make a meaningful difference to young children every day
10. Opportunities for professional development and growth
11. A caring community where every child and every staff member matters
A role where you can truly make a difference
If you’re enthusiastic, patient and passionate about early years education, this could be the perfect role for you. Come and help us create a joyful, inspiring start to school life for our youngest learners!
Contract details:
12. Permanent contract
13. 35 hours per week
14. Term time plus 5 days ( working days per year)
Ready to apply?
To apply, complete an application form via our
About Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School
At Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, we don’t just strive for excellence - we live it every day. Recently judged ‘Outstanding in all areas’, our school is ranked in the top 5% nationally for pupil achievement. But what truly sets us apart is our culture: a supportive, ambitious environment where staff feel valued and empowered to make a real difference.
As part of Pontefract Academies Trust, one of the top-performing trusts in the country, we offer fantastic opportunities for professional growth. 88% of our staff recommend us as a great place to work, and 98% would recommend our school to parents - a testament to our positive, collaborative ethos.
If you’re passionate about helping children thrive and want to work in a school where your contribution is celebrated, Halfpenny Lane is the place for you.
For further information about our school, please visit our
What can we offer you?
Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work–life balance. As a member of our school community, you’ll benefit from:
15. Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities,
16. Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.
17. For the /26 academic year, we have provided staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days, the next is on Monday 20 July. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.
18. Generous employer pension- West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS,
19. Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (starting from 26 days annual leave, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service – plus 8 statutory bank holidays),
20. Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance,
21. Cycle to work scheme Blue Light Card
22. Discounted gym membership
23. Free eyecare via Specsavers
24. Childcare vouchers
25. Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters),
26. Discounts at numerous retailers including O2
27. Free flu vaccinations.
You can find more information about staff benefits and what it’s like to work with us in the ‘’ booklet and on our .
About Pontefract Academies Trust
Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase multi-academy trust comprising of nine local schools: seven primary and two secondary, committed to providing the very best education for our children.
We are also excited to be merging with on 1 September. This partnership will strengthen the support we offer our pupils and staff, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development across both trusts. Please to find out more about the Pontefract Academies Trust and Ark Schools merger.
We are proud of the positive culture across our schools. In the Edurio Staff Survey, we were ranked in the top 10 trusts nationally for staff satisfaction and received several awards recognising our supportive and values‑driven working environment. Our staff tell us they feel valued, listened to and part of a team that makes a real difference every day.
We’re excited for the future and hope you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.
Further information