If a worm, a muddy puddle or a trip to the beach sounds more exciting than another tray activity, this could be your kind of nursery.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is looking for a Qualified Nursery Practitioner to join an established early years setting in the Chichester area of West Sussex.
This is an opportunity to work somewhere with a genuinely distinctive approach to early years education. The nursery combines Montessori principles with Forest School practice, giving children the freedom to explore, investigate and learn through real experiences both indoors and outdoors.
Across the wider setting, outdoor learning can include woodland exploration, gardening, field-to-fork activities, Beach School experiences and farm visits. Children are encouraged to take appropriate risks, develop independence and become confident learners rather than having every experience directed for them.
What you'll be doing: Providing high-quality care and education for children aged from babies through to preschool Supporting children's development in line with the EYFS Creating engaging learning experiences based around children's interests Encouraging children to explore, investigate and make independent choices Supporting Montessori-inspired and child-led learning Making outdoor learning a genuine part of the nursery day Observing and assessing children's progress Maintaining accurate records of children's development Extending children's interests through open-ended questions and thoughtful planning Building positive relationships with parents and carers Creating a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment Working collaboratively with a highly experienced early years team Supporting children's physical, emotional, social and cognitive development Maintaining excellent safeguarding and welfare standards Taking part in training and continued professional development What we're looking for: A recognised Early Years or Childcare qualification Previous experience working within a nursery or childcare environment Good practical knowledge of the EYFS Strong safeguarding awareness A genuine interest in outdoor and nature-based learning An interest in Montessori practice, or enthusiasm to learn more about the approach Someone comfortable being outside throughout the year A warm, confident and enthusiastic personality Good communication skills with children, parents and colleagues Someone reflective who wants to keep developing their early years practice
You do not need to arrive as a Montessori expert. What matters is having the interest and willingness to understand the philosophy and adapt your practice around it. The nursery specifically looks for educators who believe children are capable of leading their own learning and who enjoy continuing to learn themselves.
What's on offer: £27,040 to £28,080 per year Equivalent to £13.00 to £13.50 per hour based on full-time hours Permanent employment Full-time opportunity Ongoing training and professional development Opportunity to develop Montessori knowledge and practice Exposure to Forest School and outdoor learning Beach School experiences Regular nature-based and outdoor activities Opportunity to work alongside qualified Teachers, Forest School Leaders and Montessori Practitioners A growing independent early years organisation Varied working environment across indoor and outdoor provision
The current team includes highly qualified early years professionals alongside Montessori Practitioners, Early Years Teachers, Forest School Leaders and Beach School qualified staff, creating a strong environment for someone who wants to broaden their own early years experience.
The setting's philosophy is particularly suited to practitioners who want children to experience more of the real world. Woodland, edible gardens, natural materials and outdoor exploration are actively incorporated into children's learning rather than treated as occasional extras.
If you're looking for a Qualified Nursery Practitioner job in Chichester, an Early Years Practitioner job in Bosham or a Montessori and Forest School nursery role in West Sussex, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.