Job Description

About Us

We're a nature-inspired, award winning, outstanding, family-run setting with a strong nature and nurturing ethos. Our gardens are bursting with edible flowers and vegetables, our play spaces blend the indoors and outdoors, and our 'secret base camp' in the woods offers children endless opportunities to explore, imagine, and grow in our Forest School. Sustainability is not a buzzword here--it's part of everyday life.

Do you dream of working somewhere that feels like home--where children are free to be curious, connected to nature, and nurtured like family? At The Watership Down Nursery, we're looking for a warm, passionate Nursery Practitioner to join our small, dedicated team.

Set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, our nursery supports children from 3 months to 5 years in a mixed-age, family-style setting where children play, explore and learn together (we don't segregate children by age). Open 50 weeks of the year (Monday to Friday, 8am-5.30pm), we intentionally keep the amount of children we have low to offer calm, meaningful experiences with plenty of time, space, and attention.

What Makes Us Different

We're not a big chain. We don't do conveyor belt care or excessive paperwork. We're about people--real relationships, genuine play, and building something special together.

What You'll Be Doing

Allowing children to be children through nature and nurture Supporting and leading outdoor learning activities, including gardening, den building, fire safety, and nature play Creating engaging, child-led experiences that spark joy, curiosity, and connection Building genuine relationships with families and colleagues, with clear and thoughtful communication Helping children understand where food comes from and how to care for the world around them Supporting development across all areas in line with the EYFS, while embracing our calm, holistic approach Following safeguarding policies and creating a safe, secure learning environment

About You

You hold a Level 2 or 3 childcare qualification You love being outdoors and value nature as a teacher You're creative, nurturing, and genuinely invested in early years You want to be part of a team that values you as much as the children You're looking for something meaningful--not just another job

Perks & Benefits

Competitive pay and pension Discounted childcare and free staff lunches Free access to counselling support Training opportunities based on your interests (including Forest School) Generous holiday including Christmas closure Staff events, team treats, and a real sense of belonging Free parking and good transport links Uniform provided

How to Apply

If this sounds like your kind of place, we'd love to hear from you. Give us a ring or drop us an email --we're always happy to chat about what makes The Watership Down Nursery such a magical place to work.

Safeguarding Commitment

We're fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and thorough references.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Apprenticeship

Pay: 12.21-13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 40 per week

Benefits:

Childcare Company events Discounted or free food Employee discount Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Experience:

Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
Language:

English fluently (required)
Licence/Certification:

Childcare L2 or L3 (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person