Job Introduction
Position: Childcare Practitioner (Maternity Cover)
Location: Portchester Community School – Early Years
Salary: Grade B - £24,027 to £24,348 per annum (Pay award pending).
Contract Type: Full-Time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year).
Maternity Cover for up to 12 months, starting in July 2025.
Working Hours: We are open Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 6:00 pm. Closed between Christmas and New Year and on bank holidays.
Closing Date: 19 May 2025.
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, prioritizing 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.
Applications will be considered on receipt and suitable candidates invited for interview. We reserve the right to withdraw the advertisement early if the vacancy is filled before the closing date.
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.
Online searches will be completed on all shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process.
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 and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
