Nursery Practitioner
Castle Nursery & Pre-School, Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming (GU7 2AE)
About us
Castle Nursery & Pre-School at Guardian House is our newest setting, a bright, modern nursery in the heart of Godalming following a comprehensive refurbishment. With five dedicated rooms designed for different age ranges, children develop in environments tailored to their specific needs. Our setting is built around a love of the outdoors and sustainable living: all age groups have access to the garden, where children grow their own fruit and vegetables in our nursery allotment, later cooked by our on-site nursery cook. The age-zoned outdoor space features a variety of surfaces to explore, including astroturf and wet-pour play zones.
Benefitting from a fantastic location close to Godalming High Street, just 100 yards from the train station and with a large on-site car park, we are ideally placed for local families. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and caring Nursery Practitioner to join our growing team and help give every child a powerful start in their early years.
About the role
As a Nursery Practitioner you will provide warm, high quality care and education for the children in your room, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Working as part of a friendly and supportive team, you will help create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where children feel secure, valued and excited to learn.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Delivering engaging, child-led activities and experiences that support each child's learning and development
- Acting as a key person for a group of children, planning for their individual needs and maintaining accurate observations and records
- Building warm, trusting relationships with children and supporting them to explore, play and develop independence
- Making the most of our garden, allotment and outdoor learning spaces to help children connect with nature
- Building positive partnerships with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in their child's progress
- Supporting children's care routines, including feeding, nappy changing and rest times, with patience and sensitivity
- Ensuring all safeguarding, health and safety, and welfare requirements are met at all times, in line with EYFS and our policies
- Working closely with your Room Leader and the wider team to maintain the highest standards of care
About you
We are looking for someone who is passionate about early years and genuinely loves working with young children. You will have:
- A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification as recognised by the Department for Education (or be working towards one)
- A warm, caring and enthusiastic approach, with a genuine commitment to giving children the best possible start
- A good understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development (or a willingness to learn)
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team
- A paediatric first aid certificate is desirable, though we can support you to gain this
Unqualified candidates with the right attitude and a passion for early years are welcome to apply, as we can support you to gain your qualifications.
All appointments are subject to our safer recruitment process, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK.
What we offer
- Competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience
- Ongoing training and genuine opportunities for career progression
- A supportive and friendly team in a brand new, beautifully refurbished setting
- 95% childcare discount
How to apply
If you would love to join our Guardian House family, please apply through Indeed with your CV. For an informal chat about the role, contact Jess on 01483 314 060 or email [email protected]
Castle Nursery & Pre-School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Pay: Up to £30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
