Job Introduction
Childcare Practitioner - Early Years
Working Hours: We are open Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 6:00 pm.
Closed between Christmas and New Year and on bank holidays.
An introduction to Portchester Day Nursery!
Portchester Day Nursery, located in a school annexe on Castle Street, Portchester, is the Early Years Provision within the social enterprise sector of Portchester Community School. We are excited to offer an opportunity for a dedicated and energetic individual to join our friendly and professional team!
Our nursery has a Good Ofsted rating and operates as a free-flow provision, prioritising heuristic play and making full use of a beautiful, purpose-designed outdoor space to enhance children's learning experiences.
What We Offer:
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
- Investment in training and professional development.
- A generous holiday and pension package as a Hampshire County Council employer.
- The opportunity to make a real difference in children’s early learning experiences.
What We Are Looking For:
The successful candidate will be highly motivated, enthusiastic about working with children, caring, and kind. We seek someone who is eager to provide high-quality learning experiences through play while ensuring the safety and well-being of every child.
Essential Requirements:
- Level 3 qualification in childcare.
- Experience working in the Early Years sector with a strong understanding of child development.
- Ability to plan, assess, and evaluate children’s progress and liaise with parents and external agencies.
- Commitment to creating an engaging and stimulating environment.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and policies.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- High standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the setting.
- Kind, compassionate, and professional approach.
- Willingness to contribute to nursery events such as fundraisers and celebrations.
Desirable:
- Paediatric First Aid training.
- A valid driving licence.
How to Apply:
For an application pack, please email campus@portchester.hants.sch.uk or call our community team at
023 9236 4399 (2pm to 7pm). If you would like to arrange a tour prior to applying, please contact us to book an appointment.
Applications will close at 12:00 noon on Friday, 16 January 2026. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 26 January 2026. We encourage you to apply early, as we may close applications ahead of schedule if we receive a high volume of interest.
We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
Join us in making a difference in children's early years—apply today!
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 because it is a post which involves working directly with children or young people. Applicants shortlisted for interview are therefore required to declare whether they have any criminal convictions (or cautions or bind-overs) including those which are ‘spent’. The amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) provide that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and are not subject to disclosure. Please refer to the Disclosure and Barring service website for further information on the filtering of these cautions and convictions.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers
are expected to share this commitment. Successful candidates will undergo Disclosure and Barring Service checks and other relevant employment checks, including online searches as part of the pre-employment process.
