Nursery Practitioner Full-Time Maternity Cover
We are seeking an outstanding EYFS Practitioner who is passionate about early childhood education, to join us as maternity cover. They must hold a minimum Level 3 in Early Years Childcare, or equivalent.
We believe in a child-centred approach where our curious youngest children are provided with stimulating play and are encouraged to free-flow in their learning and play, both inside and outside.
Our school is renowned for the partnerships that we build with our parents and families. This starts with our Nursery Practitioners who are each responsible for a group of key children. In this way, each child feels known, understood, safe and cared for.
Prince’s Mead Nursery is year-round and offers a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 4, most of whom transition into Reception. Our Nursery is set within the grounds and close to our school community, offering a safe and stimulating home from home experience.
at Prince’s Mead School
Winchester
Background to the School
Prince's Mead is a happy and thriving co-educational IAPS day preparatory school in Hampshire, with over 230 children on roll.
Set on a beautiful site near the City of Winchester, the school is housed in an impressive Grade II listed Georgian manor house with spectacular views over the Itchen Valley.
In September 2025, Prince’s Mead merged with King Edward VI School in Southampton. This merger has provided both schools with exciting opportunities for all and secured the educational and financial future of the KES group for generations to come.
At Prince’s Mead, we believe in educating the whole child in order for them to become well-rounded, happy and fulfilled individuals with excellent academic results. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun. We see education as a transformational process that guides pupils towards academic achievement, independence, collaboration, leadership and a readiness to take the next exciting step to senior school and beyond.
OVERVIEW
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an outstanding EYFS Practitioner who is passionate about early childhood education, to join us as maternity cover. They must hold a minimum Level 3 in Early Years Childcare, or equivalent.
We believe in a child-centred approach where our curious youngest children are provided with stimulating play and are encouraged to free-flow in their learning and play, both inside and outside.
Our school is renowned for the partnerships that we build with our parents and families. This starts with our Nursery Practitioners who are each responsible for a group of key children. In this way, each child feels known, understood, safe and cared for.
Prince’s Mead Nursery is year-round and offers a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 4, most of whom transition into Reception. Our Nursery is set within the grounds and close to our school community, offering a safe and stimulating home from home experience.
Our Nursery offers:
- A warm, nurturing and fun start to each child’s education.
- Free-flow learning and play supervised by highly experienced staff.
- Flexible hours for families from 8.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
- Healthy, balanced food made on site by our professional Chef.
- Stimulating and fresh setting in our stunning Coach House.
- Extensive grounds including Forest School, Early Years’ garden, playgrounds, sports hall, playing fields, tennis courts, Dining Hall and 12 acres of secure countryside.
- Individual attention in a calm, focused environment building towards a seamless move to Reception.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
The Nursery Practitioner will work alongside our Head of Nursery and will report to the Head of EYFS.
The ideal candidate will have as a minimum:
- Level 3 in Early Years Childcare or equivalent.
- Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications.
- A strong awareness of child protection and safeguarding.
- Ability to work independently as well as be a team player.
- Secure and respectful interpersonal skills with a flexible, adaptable and positive attitude to staff and pupils.
- Strong communication skills to promote and develop effective, trusting relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.
- A passion for an individual child’s development and growth.
THE ROLE
The successful candidate will be employed for 40 hours per week, on a year-round, 52-week contract, from Monday to Friday. The duties and responsibilities listed below are not exhaustive or restrictive:
- Ensure that practice and provision in the Nursery meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Statutory Framework.
- Support the whole team in delivering the EYFS Framework – with efficient assessment and recording of the progress and attainment of pupils.
- Help with the day-to-day running of the Nursery.
- Provide professional and outstanding care throughout the day, following the school’s policies and procedures.
- Promote the aims and objectives of the Nursery, to reflect the school’s Crown Values.
- Promote the high standards of the Nursery at all times to parents, staff and visitors.
- Ensure that all children attending the Nursery receive rich and stimulating experiences appropriate to their age and stage of development and be familiar with all their medical, SEND and other individual needs.
- Ensure that children are kept safe and that staff understand and follow safeguarding procedures.
- Promote and facilitate partnerships with parents and other family members, through handovers, parents’ evenings and regular reporting.
- Create and maintain a culture of self-evaluation and reflective practice throughout the Nursery.
- Maintain respect and confidentiality, as appropriate.
- Engage in and maintain professional development activities.
- Attend safeguarding and paediatric first aid training.
REMUNERATION
Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience, within the range: £28,000 to £29,000.
There are further benefits including:
- A competitive company pension scheme
- Contractual sick pay
- Excellent opportunities for professional development and training
- An incredibly happy, supportive and committed team
- School social events
- Free on-site parking, meals and refreshments
- Discount for school-age children at Prince’s Mead.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. The closing date for applications is 4pm on Monday 18th May.
2. Applicants are asked to complete the school’s application form provided (it’s important to include two named referees), as well as a covering letter (no more than one side of A4). The letter of application should offer a personal insight into the skills and aspirations of the candidate.
3. Prince’s Mead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS.
4. At the shortlist interview, applicants will be interviewed by the Headmaster, as well as other members of the Senior Leadership Team and our Head of Nursery. Please note the shortlist interviews will be held on Wednesday 3rd June.
5. Please email your completed application form and covering letter to
6. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Equal Opportunities Statement
As an equal opportunities employer, Prince’s Mead is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Prince’s Mead.
Safeguarding Statement
Prince’s Mead puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school. There is a commitment to keep safeguarding at the forefront of every employee and volunteer’s mind. We encourage a culture of challenge, not just to act when there is a need, but also in the way we think to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils’ individual welfare are minimised.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.
Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment.
We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. If shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.
Pay: £28,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Winchester SO21 1AN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
