There are nursery gardens, and then there are settings where the outdoors genuinely becomes another classroom.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is looking for a Qualified Nursery Practitioner to join a welcoming nursery and preschool in Culham, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
Set within a former village primary school, the nursery has large and varied outdoor spaces including mature trees, a rural garden, Forest School provision and all-weather play areas. Nursery rooms open directly into the garden, allowing outdoor exploration to become a natural part of children's everyday learning rather than an occasional activity.
The setting cares for children from babies through to preschool and has a warm, personal approach. Practitioners are encouraged to really understand children's individual personalities, routines and interests so that learning can be built around the child rather than expecting every child to develop in exactly the same way.
What you'll be doing: Providing warm, high-quality care and early education Acting as a Key Person and developing secure relationships with your key children Supporting children's learning and development in line with the EYFS Observing children's interests, achievements and developmental progress Planning meaningful activities around individual children's next steps Creating opportunities for learning through play and exploration Making full use of the nursery's garden and outdoor learning environment Supporting children's communication, confidence and independence Encouraging positive friendships and emotional development Supporting children's individual care routines Building strong relationships with parents and carers Sharing children's progress and memorable moments with families Working closely with Room Leaders and other practitioners Maintaining excellent safeguarding and welfare standards Contributing ideas and creativity to the nursery environment Taking an active role in your own professional development What we're looking for: A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification Previous experience working with children in an early years environment Good understanding of the EYFS Strong safeguarding awareness A warm, caring and enthusiastic approach Someone who enjoys child-led and outdoor learning Confidence communicating with families and colleagues Good teamwork skills Someone comfortable getting involved in messy, active and imaginative play A practitioner who wants to continue learning and developing their career What's on offer: £28,500 to £30,000 per year Permanent, full-time employment Monday to Friday nursery environment Ongoing childcare training Support with specialist professional development Safeguarding and First Aid training Opportunities to develop knowledge in areas such as SEND Genuine internal career progression Forest School environment Large rural garden with mature trees All-weather outdoor play areas Nursery rooms with direct garden access Support from an experienced early years team
There is some really good evidence of progression within this particular team.
One current Room Leader originally joined the wider organisation before completing her Level 3 qualification, progressing from Trainee to Nursery Practitioner and then Room Leader. Another member of the team joined as a Trainee Nursery Assistant and has also progressed into leadership. The current Nursery Manager previously worked at another setting within the organisation before moving into management at Culham Village.
The nursery also says staff are actively encouraged and supported with further training, including broader childcare development and specialist areas such as Special Educational Needs, alongside practical qualifications and safeguarding.
The setting was inspected under Ofsted's new framework in January 2026, achieving the Expected Standard across six evaluated areas and meeting safeguarding standards.
If you're looking for a Qualified Nursery Practitioner job in Abingdon, an Early Years Practitioner job in Culham or a Level 2 or Level 3 nursery role in Oxfordshire, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.