Nursery Practitioner

Are you a passionate Early Years professional who believes every child deserves the very best start in life?

Godstowe School is looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our thriving, all-year-round Nursery. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of an exceptional Early Years team, providing outstanding care and education for children aged 9 months to 4 years within one of the UK's leading independent preparatory schools.

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where children can learn, explore and develop with confidence. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will inspire curiosity through engaging play experiences, build positive relationships with families and support every child to reach their full potential.

Whether you are an experienced practitioner or looking to take the next step in your Early Years career, Godstowe offers an inspiring environment where your passion and commitment will be recognised and supported.

About Godstowe School

Godstowe School is one of the UK's leading independent preparatory schools for girls aged 3 to 13, with boys welcomed into the Nursery and Pre-Prep. Set within 12 acres of beautiful grounds in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Godstowe has been inspiring children since 1900 through an outstanding education that nurtures confidence, curiosity and a genuine love of learning.

Our Nursery provides exceptional care and education for children from 9 months to 4 years, offering a warm, stimulating and nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to flourish. With outstanding indoor and outdoor learning environments, small group experiences and a child-centred approach, we are proud to provide the very best start to every child's educational journey.

At Godstowe, we believe our staff are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a supportive, collaborative and rewarding working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop professionally and thrive in their careers.

About You

Your Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional care and learning experiences for children aged 9 months to 4 years.
• Support the delivery of a stimulating and engaging EYFS curriculum that encourages every child to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.
• Build warm, positive and professional relationships with children, parents and colleagues.

• Observe, assess and record children's progress using My School Portal and contribute to planning for their next stages of development.
• Promote children's emotional wellbeing, safety and happiness at all times.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and child welfare.
• Prepare engaging learning environments that encourage exploration, creativity and discovery.
• Support children's personal care, health and wellbeing with dignity and compassion.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to create a positive and supportive team culture.
• Ensure the Nursery remains safe, clean, welcoming and fully compliant with EYFS and Health & Safety requirements.
• Contribute to the smooth transition of children into Reception and the wider school community.
• Participate fully in staff meetings, training, parents' evenings and School events.

About You: We are looking for someone who has:

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Experience working within an Early Years setting with a a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
• Good knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and child development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a supportive team.
• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding Early Years education.

It would also be advantageous if you had:

• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience using My School Portal or similar observation software.
• Experience within an independent school or high-quality Nursery setting.
• Additional training in SEND or safeguarding.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about helping young children thrive.
• Warm, caring and nurturing.
• Enthusiastic, positive and approachable.
• Professional, reliable and committed.
• Creative and able to inspire children's curiosity through play.
• Organised and able to manage their time effectively.
• Flexible and willing to support the wider Nursery team.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Dedicated to their own professional development.

Why Join Godstowe School?

Joining Godstowe means becoming part of a welcoming and ambitious school community that values its people as much as its pupils. We offer:

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Company pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Life Assurance (3x annual salary).
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression.
• Complimentary lunches during the working day.
• Free on-site parking.

If you are passionate about Early Years education and would like to help shape the first steps of every child's educational journey within an exceptional independent school, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To find out more about this role, please read our Job Description.

Apply today and become part of the Godstowe Nursery team, where every day is an opportunity to inspire, nurture and make a lasting difference.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please fill out our Application Form and return it to [email protected] along with your CV.

Godstowe School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, costs are covered by the candidates. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.