Building a Love of Learning and Exploration for Life
Jack in a Box Nursery, St David’s Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover, CT17 9HJ
Full-time | Permanent
At Jack in a Box Nursery, we believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, exploration, muddy boots, meaningful relationships, and magical moments that children remember forever.
We are a nurturing, child-led nursery for children aged 18 months to 4 years, where learning happens through hands-on experiences, play, discovery, and connection to the natural world. Through our Forest School and Coastal Classroom experiences, we encourage children to develop confidence, resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Outdoor learning is not an “extra” at Jack in a Box; it is at the heart of who we are. From woodland adventures and coastal exploration to risky play, storytelling, den building, and child-led discovery, we believe children learn best when they feel inspired, engaged, and free to explore the world around them.
We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Level 3 Practitioner who shares our belief in high-quality early years experiences and understands the importance of nurturing curiosity, wellbeing, creativity, and independence during children’s most important years.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, values child-led learning, and wants to be part of a setting where no two days are ever the same. One moment you may be supporting children as they investigate nature, the next leading creative play, building relationships with families, or helping children discover something completely new for the very first time.
We are a growing nursery with exciting plans to extend our opening hours, so flexibility is important. Current shifts are typically between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm during term time, with opportunities to support additional holiday clubs throughout the year.
At Jack in a Box, we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences for our children and families, from seasonal events and family days to exciting visits, such as our recent petting zoo. No two days are ever the same!
You will play an important role in creating inspiring learning opportunities, supporting children’s development through play and exploration, observing and extending children’s interests in the moment, and helping maintain warm, engaging environments where every child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification
- Has experience working within an early years setting
- Has a genuine passion for working with young children
- Understands the EYFS and child development
- Feels confident working outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions
- Can build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Brings creativity, energy, warmth, and enthusiasm to their practice
In return, we offer a supportive and welcoming team, opportunities to work within inspiring Forest School and Coastal Classroom environments, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to be part of a setting that genuinely values creativity, wellbeing, outdoor learning, and play.
If you are passionate about creating meaningful childhood experiences and inspiring children to develop a lifelong love of learning and exploration, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, please send your CV to:
[email protected]
Jack in a Box Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Pay: £12.71-£13.71 per hour
Work Location: In person
