Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters!

Job Title: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Location: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, Buckingham

Salary: Up to £29,500 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am-5pm or 9am-6pm

Contract: Permanent | 52 weeks

Akeley Wood Junior School is a warm, vibrant, and caring community nestled in stunning rural surroundings near Buckingham. Our Nursery offers a joyful, stimulating, and secure space where children aged 12 months to 4 years can explore, play, and learn with confidence.

We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our Early Years team. We also welcome applications from apprentices, making this a fantastic opportunity for anyone eager to start or advance their rewarding career in early childhood education.

The Role

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will:

• Provide high-quality physical, emotional, social, and intellectual care for children in our Nursery.
• Support the planning and delivery of creative, age-appropriate activities tailored to individual needs.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families, ensuring clear and positive communication.
• Act as a Key Worker, observing and documenting each child's progress with care and accuracy.
• Model a calm, nurturing approach and promote positive behaviour.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and stimulating environment with consistently high standards of care and hygiene.
• Support daily routines including mealtimes, rest, play, and transitions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive setting.

Our Nursery operates for 51 weeks of the year, with shift patterns of 8:00am-5:00pm or 9:00am-6:00pm on a weekly rota.

About You

We're looking for someone who brings:

• A Level 3 childcare qualification (or above) (essential)
• Experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• A warm, empathetic, and energetic approach to working with young children.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and parents.
• An understanding of safeguarding, child development, and safe working practices.
• Flexibility, resilience, and a genuine passion for helping children flourish.

Experience supporting children with SEND or additional qualifications such as First Aid would be an advantage.

Why Join Akeley Wood Junior School?

You'll become part of a dedicated, friendly, and supportive Early Years team that shares a deep commitment to nurturing young children and helping them grow into confident, curious learners.

You will enjoy:

• A caring, highly supportive working environment
• A beautiful, nature-rich setting to enhance learning
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• A team culture built on collaboration, creativity, and kindness

Safeguarding Commitment

Akeley Wood School and Blenheim Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff must follow safeguarding policies and complete relevant training. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and social media checks.

How to Apply

Complete an application before the closing date.

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.