There are nursery jobs where going outside means opening the back door.
And then there are nurseries where children can spend the morning planting, climbing, investigating the sensory garden, caring for animals and discovering what a giant land snail actually feels like.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is looking for a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner in South Croydon to join an established independent nursery with a particularly varied environment for children.
The setting cares for children from six weeks to four years, but what caught our attention wasn't the age range.
It was the garden.
Children have access to a large climbing frame, trampoline, playhouse, planting area, sensory garden, large sandpit with a pirate ship and dedicated story area. The nursery uses a free-flow approach, allowing children regular outdoor access throughout the day and providing rain suits and seasonal hats so outdoor learning can continue throughout the year.
Oh, and there are animals.
The nursery garden is home to rabbits, a chicken and cats.
Inside, children also help care for stick insects, fish and giant land snails as part of the setting's wider approach to exploration and learning.
So if you're a practitioner who enjoys finding learning opportunities in the real world rather than setting up the same tray activity every week, there is plenty here to work with.
What you'll be trusted with
You'll be a qualified member of the team, not simply an extra pair of hands.
You'll:
Take responsibility for key children Build secure relationships with children and families Observe children's development and recognise meaningful next steps Plan experiences around children's interests Support learning across the EYFS Make indoor and outdoor learning equally valuable Encourage independence, communication and confidence Support children's individual routines and emotional wellbeing Keep learning records accurate and useful Work closely with parents and carers Maintain strong safeguarding practice Contribute ideas to your room and the wider nursery Take part in regular training and professional development
The setting also brings in external teachers for French, sport and yoga, giving children additional experiences alongside the everyday nursery curriculum.
You need to be Level 3
This particular vacancy is for someone holding a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification.
You'll also ideally bring:
Nursery or early years experience Good working knowledge of the EYFS Strong safeguarding awareness Confidence communicating with parents A positive and dependable approach Plenty of energy for an active nursery day A willingness to keep developing your practice
And preferably no objection to the occasional muddy shoe.
Now for the employment package
This is another one where the employer has actually published the figures.
£31,590 per year
That's based on:
£13.50 per hour 45 hours per week Monday to Friday with rotating shifts between 7:15am and 6:45pm.
You also get:
Your birthday off One additional day's annual leave for every completed year of service, up to eight years £25 birthday bonus £125 annual anniversary bonus £250 anniversary bonus at each five-year milestone Monthly attendance bonuses where qualifying criteria are met Employee discount Free flu vaccinations Health and wellbeing programme Star of the Month recognition Training and CPD opportunities
That service-related holiday allowance is particularly strong.
Stay for several years and you aren't simply collecting another certificate for your wall. You're progressively building additional time away from work as well.
A nursery with plenty going on
The South Croydon setting is spread across two floors, with separate provision for babies and older children.
The under-twos have their own rooms and separate baby garden, while older children can move between creative provision, Maths and Science, stories, role play and small-world environments.
It means practitioners aren't trying to force completely different stages of development into one generic nursery room.
For somebody who enjoys watching children move from those earliest baby experiences through to increasingly confident preschool learning, that's a nice environment to be part of.
If you're looking for a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner job in South Croydon, Early Years Practitioner role in CR2 or qualified nursery job near Purley and Croydon, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.