The Dixie Grammar School is a selective, coeducational independent school renowned for its warm, community ethos and beautiful rural settings. In our nursery, our values centre on providing a nurturing, 'home-from-home' environment where our youngest children feel safe, deeply valued, and secure enough to confidently explore the world around them.
This newly created role is part of the EYFS team at our Nursery and Junior site in Wellsborough. The School is pleased to be expanding its provision to offer a high-quality Nursery setting for ages 6 months and up, operating 51 weeks per year from 7.30am to 6pm. This exciting position will be crucial to the development of our newly expanded setting, ‘Little Leopards Nursery.’
The Role
As Senior Practitioner, you will work in our brand-new baby and infant room, ‘The Nest’, driving and delivering the highest standards of care in accordance with OFSTED and ISI requirements. You will also work closely with the Nursery Management team and form part of the daily duty cover rota.
Unique Leadership Structure:
● During term time (35 weeks), you will work in close partnership with the Nursery management team, supporting day-to-day operations, quality assurance, and staff development.
● During school holidays (16 weeks), the nursery leadership structure adapts to support our holiday provision. During these periods, the Deputy Nursery Manager steps up to oversee the day-to-day running of the setting, with the wider Nursery Management Team remaining on call remotely. As Third in Charge (3IC), you will step up and actively assist the Deputy to lead the setting and maintain our high standards of care.
What We Are Looking For
● Several years’ experience as an Early Years Room Leader, preferably with some supervision or management experience.
● Qualified to at least NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent), with a proven track record of working with babies and toddlers.
● Strong, up-to-date knowledge and experience of applying the EYFS Statutory Framework.
● Excellent verbal and written communication, alongside strong administrative skills.
● An empathetic, flexible, and passionate practitioner who thrives in a team environment.
● Experience and/or strong understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach to early years education, particularly as it relates to attachment-led practice.
What We Offer
● A friendly, supportive, and prestigious working environment.
● 28 days paid annual leave (including Bank Holidays). To support our out-of-term-time care, holiday is ideally taken during term time, though we will always work collaboratively with you to consider school holiday requests where possible.
● Complimentary lunches.
● School fee remission.
● 5% matched pension contribution on qualifying earnings.
How to Apply
Please send a letter of application and a completed application form (available on our website at www.dixie.org.uk) by email to: [email protected].
● Deadline for applications: Friday 19 June 2026
● Interviews: Week commencing 22 June 2026
● Anticipated Start Date: July 2026 (Flexible for the right candidate)
We reserve the right to shortlist and interview qualified candidates early should suitable applications be received.
No Agencies Please.
Safer Recruitment Statement
The School is committed to the safety and well-being of its students and is rigorous in its appointment procedures ensuring that the latest guidance is followed in respect of safer recruitment of staff, including visiting staff and, where required, volunteers. The School has a positive and effective Equal Opportunities Policy, actively promotes equality of opportunity and ensures that all recruitment is undertaken in line with the policy, Keeping Children Safe in Education (Sept 2025), Safer Recruitment principles and the Equality Act 2010. The School will comply with the Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 (DUCA), the Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales (2023) and any guidance or code of practice published by the by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £30,160.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
