HaPPy HeLLo!
Following the incredible success of our award-winning nursery in Shinfield, we're now bringing Happy Trails Play to Lightwater!
We are looking to assemble our team - Level 3 Early Years PractitionerHappy Trails Play – Lightwater, Surrey
This isn't just another nursery opening - it's the start of something really special.
And we're looking for passionate Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualified Practitioners who want to help build it from day one and continue progressing with us.
We're not looking for "staff."
We're looking for teammates.
We want your ideas and for you to be heard
The people who lift a room the moment they walk in.
The people children naturally gravitate towards.
The people who see the magic in ordinary moments.
The people who understand that the best childhood memories aren't always planned—they're created by the people around them.
Happy Trails Play isn't your typical nursery.
We've never wanted to blend in.
We've built beautiful learning environments.
We've created healthy eating programmes families genuinely value.
Interactive childrens kitchens
All of our nurseries have an Outdoor learning expert & allotments.
We've introduced experiences children talk about long after they've gone home.
We've built teams that genuinely enjoy coming to work.
Most importantly...
We've created a culture where children, families and colleagues all feel they belong.
Now we're building again.
And we'd love you to be part of writing the very first chapter of our Lightwater story.
This is a chance to build something, not simply join something.
Every nursery develops its own personality.
Its own traditions.
Its own culture.
Its own magic.
You'll play a huge part in creating that.
Alongside an experienced Senior Leadership Team who will support, encourage and invest in you every step of the way.
You'll be someone who can...
- Build meaningful relationships with children and families.
- Deliver inspiring learning experiences every day.
- Support children's development with confidence.
- Work collaboratively with your teammates.
- Bring ideas, initiative and positivity.
- Be open to coaching and continual learning.
- Balance fun with professionalism.
- Help create a nursery everyone feels proud to belong to.
What you'll need
- A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
- A genuine passion for working with young children.
- Strong safeguarding knowledge.
- A good understanding of the EYFS.
- A positive attitude.
- A team-first mindset.
- A warm, authentic personality.
What we promise you
Joining Happy Trails Play isn't just about the next job on your CV.
It's about becoming part of a team that genuinely wants to see you succeed.
We'll invest in you.
We will help you progress and reach your goals.
We'll coach you.
We'll encourage you.
We'll challenge you.
We'll celebrate your successes.
We'll help you discover strengths you may not even realise you have.
Our aim is simple.
When you look back in a few years' time, we want you to be able to say:
"Joining Happy Trails Play was one of the best decisions I ever made."
Because if you help us build an incredible nursery...
We'll help you build an incredible career.
What you'll receive
- A highly competitive salary.
- A very generous 30 days holiday plus bank holidays on top!
- Excellent bonus opportunities.
- Outstanding career progression as Happy Trails Play continues to grow.
- Supportive and approachable leadership.
- Beautiful working environments.
- Staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Genuine opportunities to develop professionally.
- The chance to help launch one of Surrey's newest and most exciting nurseries.
This role won't be for everyone.
We're looking for people who genuinely care.
People who want to make a difference.
People who believe childhood should be full of adventure, laughter and unforgettable moments.
If that sounds like you...
We'd love to meet you.
Take a look at our Instagram and Facebook pages to see what Happy Trails Play is all about.
Let's put the fun back into childcare.
Happy Trails Play is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. The safety and wellbeing of our children and colleagues is our highest priority. All appointments are subject to robust pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check. Candidates must either be subscribed to the DBS Update Service (allowing us to carry out a status check) or be willing to undergo a new Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and funded by Happy Trails Play.
Pay: £13.50-£15.75 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Lightwater GU18 5XY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- Nursery: 2 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Level 2 or 3 Childcare Qualification? (required)
Location:
- Lightwater GU18 5XY (required)
Work Location: In person
