Early Years Practitioner - Level 3
St Mary's Church of England Primary School & Nursery, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 1LUThis job expired on 27 March 2026 – see similar jobs
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
27 March 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
12 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
- HLTA (higher level teaching assistant)
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years
Working pattern
- Full time: Monday to Friday - 8:30 - 3:30
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Level 3 Practitioners Salary - Appropriate Grading based on experience
What skills and experience we're looking for
CORE DUTIES
To provide high quality care and education for children within the nursery in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework.
The practitioner will support children’s learning, development and wellbeing through purposeful play, strong adult interaction and carefully planned learning environments.
The Early Years Practitioner will work as part of a team to ensure all children feel safe, valued and supported, enabling them to develop the confidence, language, independence and curiosity required for future learning.
Teaching and Supporting Learning
- Support the delivery of high quality early years provision in line with the EYFS framework.
- Provide stimulating learning experiences through play, exploration and structured adult led activities.
- Promote children’s language development through meaningful interaction, modelling vocabulary and sustained shared thinking.
- Support children’s development across the seven areas of learning, with particular focus on communication and language, personal development and early mathematics.
- Create an inclusive learning environment where all children can participate and succeed.
Observation, Assessment and Planning
- Observe children’s learning and development regularly in order to understand their interests, strengths and next steps.
- Contribute to the assessment of children’s progress using recognised early years assessment approaches.
- Work with colleagues to plan learning experiences that build on children’s development and prior learning.
- Maintain accurate and meaningful records of children’s development in line with school expectations.
- Identify children who may require additional support and work with senior staff to ensure appropriate intervention.
The Key Person Role
- Act as a key person for a group of children, building secure relationships with them and their families.
- Monitor the wellbeing, development and progress of key children.
- Share information with parents and carers about children’s development and learning.
- Support smooth transitions into nursery and from nursery into Reception
Creating an Enabling Environment
- Contribute to the organisation of a stimulating, safe and well resourced learning environment.
- Ensure resources promote curiosity, creativity and independence.
- Maintain high expectations for behaviour and encourage positive social interactions.
- Promote children’s independence, self care and confidence.
Safeguarding and Welfare
- Ensure children’s health, safety and wellbeing are prioritised at all times.
- Follow all safeguarding procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and school policy.
- Maintain high standards of supervision and risk awareness.
- Promote children’s physical wellbeing through safe routines, hygiene and outdoor learning opportunities.
What the school offers its staff
About our Nursery
Our nursery is a 60-place provision offering 30 morning and 30 afternoon places for pre-school children. Demand for places is consistently high and the setting remains at full capacity.
The nursery forms a vital part of the school community and lays the foundations for children’s learning, communication and social development. Children experience a carefully planned environment that blends structured teaching with purposeful play, ensuring strong early development in language, early mathematics, creativity and personal independence.
The Role
We are seeking a passionate and committed Early Years Practitioner who believes deeply in the potential of every child.
You will work as part of a highly supportive Early Years team to provide a nurturing, stimulating and safe environment where children can explore, learn and develop confidence. The role involves supporting children’s learning through purposeful play, modelling language and interaction, and contributing to the assessment and development of each child.
You will play an important role in building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues, ensuring that every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn.
We are seeking a passionate and committed Early Years Practitioner who believes deeply in the potential of every child.
You will work as part of a highly supportive Early Years team to provide a nurturing, stimulating and safe environment where children can explore, learn and develop confidence. The role involves supporting children’s learning through purposeful play, modelling language and interaction, and contributing to the assessment and development of each child.
You will play an important role in building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues, ensuring that every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn.
Great schools are built by great teams. Leaders at St Mary’s are visible, supportive and committed to developing staff.
Early Years practitioners benefit from:
- High quality professional development
- Opportunities to progress within the St Mary’s Partnership of Schools
- Support from experienced Early Years leaders
- Training that strengthens practice in language development, early literacy and child development
- Time off for important days to you! Wellbeing support to help you maintain your wellness.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About St Mary's Church of England Primary School & Nursery
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, Church of England, ages 2 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 642 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- headteacher@stmaryspri.org.uk
A Nursery and Primary School, 3-form-entry in the City Centre of Southampton. Just 10 minutes from the station and 5 minutes walk from the Centre of Town.
Arranging a visit to St Mary's Church of England Primary School & Nursery
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email headteacher@stmaryspri.org.uk.
School location
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