Nursery Practitioner – Level 3
Moat Barn Nursery | Near Woodbridge / Ipswich, Suffolk
Working Pattern: Full Time | 38–40 hours per week | Monday–Friday | One Weekday Off
Salary: £26,000–£29,000 per year
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
Transport: Own vehicle and full UK driving licence required
If you’re a passionate Level 3 Nursery Practitioner looking for a setting that genuinely invests in its people and puts outdoor learning at the heart of everything — Moat Barn could be exactly what you’re looking for.
About Moat Barn Nursery
Set in the Suffolk countryside just 3 miles from Woodbridge and 20 minutes from Ipswich, Moat Barn is a warm early years setting in a beautifully converted barn. What genuinely sets us apart is our integrated indoor-outdoor provision — children move freely between rich indoor environments and our extensive, unique outdoor space throughout the day.
At the heart of this is our dedicated Forest School — a substantial, fully embedded programme led by qualified practitioners, not a tick-box activity. It shapes how our children explore, take risks and connect with the natural world.
Why Join Us?
Aspire — Our Bespoke Practitioner Development Programme
We invest in our people. Through Aspire, you’ll access expert-led training, personalised support and leadership development from our certified in-house Early Years trainer — with clear pathways to progress your career.
Aspire: Learn. Grow. Lead.
Health Assured Wellbeing Benefits
Every team member gets access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — professional counselling, 24/7 emotional support, and expert guidance on stress, finances, bereavement and more. Plus the Health Assured app for mood tracking, mindfulness and team wellbeing challenges.
Because supporting our practitioners matters just as much as the care they provide.
The Role
We’re looking for passionate Level 3 Nursery Practitioners to join our friendly, dedicated team on a full-time, permanent basis. You’ll deliver high-quality care and early education for children aged 3 months to 5 years — and at Moat Barn, that includes being part of a setting where outdoor and Forest School practice is central, not supplementary.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Delivering integrated indoor-outdoor provision as part of daily practice
- Working alongside our dedicated Curriculum Leader to deliver a fully integrated and bespoke curriculum in line with the EYFS
- Planning and delivering EYFS-aligned activities and observing/recording children’s progress
- Supporting individual development with inclusion at the heart
- Building strong relationships with children, parents and colleagues
- Contributing to daily routines and a collaborative team culture
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Level 3+ Early Years qualification
- EYFS knowledge and a warm, professional approach
- Strong communication, teamwork and safeguarding commitment
- Full UK driving licence and own transport — essential due to our rural location
Desirable:
- Early Years setting experience
Newly qualified? We still want to hear from you — we invest in developing our team.
What We Offer
- £26,000–£29,000, reviewed annually
- One weekday off every week
- Aspire training and career development
- Health Assured EAP, counselling and wellbeing app
- Christmas and annual bonus
- Flexible working (4 or 5 days)
- Life and leadership coaching
- Team events and inclusive culture
Safeguarding
Moat Barn Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment guidelines. We are an equal opportunities employer.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and come and be part of something special at Moat Barn.
Pay: £26,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Licence/Certification:
- Level 2/3 qualification required (preferred)
- UK Driving licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
