Qualified Early Years Practitioner

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is delighted to offer fantastic opportunities to work within our Taplins Nurseries.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

This vacancy does not meet the Home Office threshold for sponsorship; therefore we are unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.

To be considered for this role, you must hold a  Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent.

Main duties of the job

Taplins Nurseries, part of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), are recruiting  experienced & newly qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioners to join our welcoming nursery teams providing high‑quality childcare for NHS families.

Taplins offers an environment where practitioners feel supported, valued and respected. The security and benefits of NHS employment, together with a strong team culture, allow staff to focus on rewarding early years practice without the pressures often experienced in the private sector.

• Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 07:00–18:30
• Work patterns: Full‑time and part‑time roles available with flexible working open for discussion
• Salary: £25,760–£27,476 per annum (£13.17–£14.05 per hour equivalent) with incremental pay progression
• Location: Taplins Southampton General (SO16 6YD) and Trust Taplins Western Community Hospital (SO16 4XE)

Why  Work With Taplins

• Work–life balance – Flexible full‑time and part‑time opportunities, including a 4‑day working week for full‑time roles (37.5 hours).
• Generous leave – 35 days annual leave that rises with service (closed on bank holidays)
• Secure NHS employment – Stable, contracted hours with clear terms and conditions and ongoing learning and career development
• Discounts and wellbeing – Access to Blue Light Card and other local and nationwide staff discounts
• Flexible earning opportunities – Option to take on additional hours through our staff bank NHS Professionals (NHSP), if desired.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

About Our Nurseries

At Taplins, you’ll work in modern, purpose‑built nursery environments caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our settings are well‑resourced, calm, and professionally run, designed to support high‑quality early years practice while maintaining realistic, manageable workloads.

Our nurseries provide bright, welcoming spaces that enable children to thrive, including:

• Spacious outdoor play areas
• Craft and messy‑play rooms
• Sensory spaces and cosy sleep areas
• High‑quality learning resources and equipment

The Role

Taplins is designed for practitioners seeking a long‑term career in early years. With realistic workloads, predictable patterns, strong governance and NHS stability, we offer a role where staff can continue to do what they love without sacrificing wellbeing or work–life balance.

Taplins offers a calmer, more sustainable alternative to private nursery settings, without losing the warmth, teamwork and child‑centred focus that make early years work rewarding. Our supportive and experienced leadership team includes managers who understand early years practice and prioritise staff wellbeing, support and development.

Early years practitioners at Taplins are recognised as skilled professionals and an essential part of the NHS community.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Creating a safe, secure and engaging environment for children
• Planning and delivering EYFS‑based activities that support learning and development
• Acting as a key person, building strong relationships with children and families
• Maintaining developmental records and online learning journals (Tapestry)
• Supporting children with additional needs in partnership with the SENDCo
• Upholding high standards of hygiene, health and safety
• Supporting mealtimes and daily routines
• Working collaboratively within a positive and supportive nursery team

To be considered for this role, you must hold a  Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent. We welcome both experienced and newly qualified Level 3 practitioners and offer dedicated mentorship and training.

This vacancy does not meet the Home Office threshold for sponsorship; therefore we are unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.

Other Staff Benefits

Since working for our Taplins nurseries mean you join the NHS, you’ll have access to a wide range of benefits that support your day‑to‑day life, wellbeing, and finances:

• Travel discounts – including 10% off BlueStar and UniLink bus passes
• Vivup salary sacrifice schemes – savings on home and electronics, cycle to work, bike shop purchases, gym membership, travel and leisure
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential support for wellbeing and counselling, financial concerns and debt advice
• Car benefit scheme (Tusker) – access to a brand‑new, fully maintained car via salary sacrifice
• Local and nationwide NHS discounts – including free membership at The Company Shop (Southampton), 10% off at Asda, access to Blue Light Card and family‑friendly offers such as kids‑eat free promotions and discounted activities
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme – earn up to £1,000 for successful referrals (where applicable)

Safeguarding

Taplins Nurseries and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

Appointments are subject to appropriate pre‑employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, verification of qualifications, and satisfactory references. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the job description and person specification.

Next Steps

If you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your application and current opportunities. We look forward to receiving your application.