Job Introduction
Opportunities to join St Mary’s are rare.
Our staff stay with us because they believe in the work we do and the community we serve. When a role does become available, it is because we are looking for someone exceptional to join a team that is deeply committed to improving the life chances of the children of Southampton.
The mantra: “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who never gives up on them, understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can be.”
St Mary’s sits in the heart of Southampton’s city centre and has served the community for over 180 years. Today our mission remains clear: to accelerate the life chances of the children of Southampton.
In our most recent inspection, Ofsted judged the school Outstanding in every category. But our purpose goes far beyond inspection outcomes. We believe every child should leave St Mary’s as the best version of themselves, confident and ready to shape the world around them.
About our Nursery
Our nursery is a 60-place provision offering 30 morning and 30 afternoon places for pre-school children. Demand for places is consistently high and the setting remains at full capacity.
The nursery forms a vital part of the school community and lays the foundations for children’s learning, communication and social development. Children experience a carefully planned environment that blends structured teaching with purposeful play, ensuring strong early development in language, early mathematics, creativity and personal independence.
The Role
We are seeking a passionate and committed Early Years Practitioner who believes deeply in the potential of every child.
You will work as part of a highly supportive Early Years team to provide a nurturing, stimulating and safe environment where children can explore, learn and develop confidence. The role involves supporting children’s learning through purposeful play, modelling language and interaction, and contributing to the assessment and development of each child.
You will play an important role in building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues, ensuring that every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn.
Considering an Application
If you share our belief that every child deserves a champion, we would love to meet you.
We strongly encourage visits to the school so you can see our community and classrooms in action. Please contact us via recruitment@stmaryspri.org.uk to arrange a tour.
To make interviews as fair as possible, shortlisted candidates receive the interview questions in advance so they can prepare and bring notes with them.
Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK. St Mary’s follows safer recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Investing in Our Staff
Great schools are built by great teams. Leaders at St Mary’s are visible, supportive and committed to developing staff.
Early Years practitioners benefit from:
- High quality professional development
- Opportunities to progress within the St Mary’s Partnership of Schools
- Support from experienced Early Years leaders
- Training that strengthens practice in language development, early literacy and child development
Attached documents
