Nursery Nurse

Job overview

Come and work in our friendly NHS nursery

Working in a great team of staff, many of whom have been with the nursery since it opened.

Be part of an important and high-profile organisation offering the best childcare, recommended by parents on daynurseries.co.uk.

Enjoy your job. Every day is different at Jack in the Box Nursery and full of fun for the children and the staff. Arrive with a smile and leave with one!

The ideal candidate will be flexible, approachable and have plenty of energy and enthusiasm. With a passion for childcare, you will bring your experience and ideas to our friendly and welcoming team.

Our Nurseries

The nurseries offer full day care for 51 weeks per year, from 7.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. The buildings are single storey purpose-built environments that offer care and education for children up until the age of 5.

Being owned by the NHS, the BHFT nurseries come highly recommended by families and the standard of care demonstrated for all children links to the expectations that the NHS portray worldwide.

The BHFT nurseries employ a high calibre of staff, ranging from Nursery Trainees to Degree Level practitioners. In general, the nurseries have a low staff turnover, and the retention of highly skilled and motivated staff is paramount.

Staff are expected to maintain the standards of care and learning opportunities for the children in a safe and stimulation environment, supporting the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Main duties of the job

The role includes:

• Encouraging all areas of the children’s development within Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with the appropriate activities, play opportunities and actions through imaginative play and innovative programming.
• Compiling and maintaining development records on children and report to the Team Leader at agreed intervals. Ensure that all records are accurate, signed and dated.
• Providing a stimulating, friendly and caring environment at all times. Promote the nursery to current and potential parents.
• Completing, after consultation with the team, monthly and weekly plans and displays.
• Demonstrating good practice with regards to special needs and inclusion, working with the nursery and area SENCO as appropriate.
• Developing good relationships with parents and encourage parental interest and participation in the life of the nursery.
• Being a key carer carrying out all related responsibilities in building relationships with a small group of children and their families.
• Maintaining and contributing to effective and positive communication between all members of staff and parents.
• Working with Early Years and other professional teams to continuously improve the quality of childcare and education and to learn about current developments in childcare practice and policy.
• Supporting and mentoring students and apprentices.
• Participating fully in the daily routine of the individual rooms and to follow the guidance and instructions of the senior staff in the team

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The “must haves” for this role:

• NVQ 3 in childcare or equivalent qualification in line with those listed on the ‘qualification finder’ section of www.education.gov.uk
• An understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage
• As stated in the EYFS, a good standard of written and spoken English. Also able to read and understand English such as to follow instructions or interpret a policy
• A knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection and appropriate protocol
• Experience of any work which demonstrates the skills required for the post
• Experience of teamwork
• Previous relevant work in childcare
• Good communication skills
• An understanding of the role of the Key Person
• Knowledge of inclusive practice
• Flexible approach to hours which includes a willingness to attend meetings, training and nursery events as appropriate

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, it’s important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.

In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.

We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call: Lee Owen-Macleod on 01753 63 5480 or email: Lee.OwenMacleod@berkshire.nhs.uk who’ll be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Please note: This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK immigration rules. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.