Early Years Practitioner

Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Level Three qualified Early Years Practitioner who is passionate about young children and committed to providing the very highest standards of care, learning and development.

Detail

We are seeking an exceptional Level Three qualified Early Years Practitioner who is passionate about young children and committed to providing the very highest standards of care, learning and development. The successful candidate will be kind, nurturing, energetic and adaptable, with a deep understanding of child development and a genuine delight in working with young children.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an outstanding Early Years team at Walhampton School as we launch our new year-round nursery provision.

Our Early Years Department comprises three distinct classes: Nursery, Stepping Stones and Kindergarten, each carefully designed to meet the needs of children at different stages of development. Together, they provide a seamless and nurturing journey for children from two years of age through to Reception.

Working alongside an experienced and supportive team, you will help shape and develop our new 48 week nursery offer, creating a warm, stimulating and inspiring environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn.

This role is ideal for an experienced practitioner who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working collaboratively and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of an ambitious Early Years provision.

Applicants must hold a full and relevant Level Three Early Years qualification (or equivalent). A Paediatric First Aid qualification is desirable, although training will be provided if required.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding, outstanding practice within the EYFS and a belief that every child deserves the very best start in life.

Key Responsibilities

In addition to the duties outlined elsewhere within this job description, the successful candidate will:

• Support the delivery of our year-round nursery provision across 48 weeks of the year.
• Help develop and shape an exciting new model of Early Years provision.
• Work flexibly across Nursery, Stepping Stones and Kindergarten as required.
• Build strong relationships with children and families, ensuring continuity of care and communication.
• Support breakfast, lunch and supper routines where required.
• Contribute to holiday provision and extended day care.
• Maintain exceptionally high standards of care, teaching, learning and safeguarding.
• Work collaboratively as part of a highly skilled Early Years team.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine love of young children and understands the importance of secure attachments.
• Is kind, caring, compassionate and emotionally attuned.
• Is enthusiastic, positive and energetic.
• Has excellent Early Years knowledge and experience.
• Is flexible and adaptable.
• Works well within a team and is willing to support colleagues.
• Demonstrates initiative and a solution-focused approach.
• Takes pride in creating beautiful, enabling environments for children.
• Shares our values of kindness, curiosity and achievement.
• Has a good sense of humour and enjoys the privilege of working with young children.

Working Pattern

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position supporting Walhampton's year-round Early Years provision across Nursery, Stepping Stones and Kindergarten.

The Early Years provision operates for 48 weeks of the year. The successful candidate will be employed on a 50-week contract and receive four weeks' annual leave each year.

Two weeks of annual leave must be taken during designated nursery closure periods (Christmas and/or Easter).

The remaining two weeks may be taken at another time during the year, subject to agreement with the Head of Pre-Prep and the operational needs of the provision.

The role may involve shift patterns to support the operational hours of the nursery. Working hours will be scheduled between 8:00am and 6:00pm and may vary according to the needs of the children, families and provision.

As a member of the year-round Early Years team, the successful candidate will be expected to work flexibly and collaboratively to ensure continuity of care and consistently high standards throughout the year.

Why Join Walhampton?

This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious and highly regarded Early Years team at an exciting stage in its development.

Set within 100 acres of beautiful grounds on the edge of the New Forest and coastline, Walhampton offers a unique environment in which children and adults alike can thrive. We are committed to providing an exceptional start to education through strong relationships, inspiring environments and a genuine belief in the importance of childhood.

In return, we offer:

• The opportunity to help shape an exciting new year-round Early Years provision.
• A supportive and experienced team.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development.
• Small groups of children and high-quality learning environments.
• Lunch and beverages provided during working days when the kitchens are operational.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Healthcare cashback plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Doctorline - 24-hour GP access.
• Bike to Work Scheme.
• Free onsite parking.

Most importantly, we offer the opportunity to spend your days making a meaningful difference to the lives of young children whilst working as part of a kind, committed and forward-thinking team.

Apply Today!

The closing date for applications is Friday 26th June. Interviews will take place week commencing 29th June 2026

It is our preference for candidates to apply by completing our online application form, which can be accessed by clicking 'Apply Now.' If you prefer to apply offline, an alternative application form is available by emailing hr@walhampton.com.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy once the position is filled. No agencies please.

Walhampton is an independent preparatory day and boarding school for 370 boys and girls aged 2–13. The school lies in beautiful ancient woodland on the southern edge of the New Forest near Lymington in Hampshire.

Further information about Walhampton is available at www.walhampton.com.

Walhampton School is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references and evidence of right to work in the UK. It is a criminal offence for an individual to apply for a role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of modern Britain. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates. Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

Documents

• Early Years Practitioner (Year-Round Provision) Job Description (1) PDF Document