Nursery Practitioner

Nursery Practitioner

Permanent | 37 hours per week

Salary £29,833 plus access to Local Government Pension Scheme

 Start date: 4 January 2027

Due to the retirement of the current post holder, Nightingales Nursery, based at St Francis Xavier College (a 2-minute walk from Clapham South), is seeking a warm, dedicated, and energetic Nursery Practitioner to join our Toddler Room team. This is an exciting permanent position at a thriving nursery.

Nightingales Nursery is a family-orientated setting in the heart of Balham. We deliver a holistic learning environment where children feel secure, confident, and happy. Because we are a close-knit nursery, we take pride in supporting both our staff and our families every step of the way—starting with a smooth, caring transition from home to nursery.

If you are kind, enthusiastic, patient, and able to work in harmony with other like-minded people within a safe, stimulating, and happy environment, then we would like to hear from you!

Candidates should have:

·  Level 2 or Level 3 in Early Years/childcare or an equivalent DfE recognised qualification

·  Proven experience of working with babies and toddlers and a good track record of working with under 5s

·  A good understanding of the EYFS and the ability to put it into practice

·  Ability to work in a caring and energetic team

·  Ability to follow all safeguarding policies and procedures of the Nursery

·  Ability to follow all requirements of administrative duties such as planning, observations and report writing

·  Ability to communicate feedback clearly with staff and parents

We offer:

A competitive salary, a supportive and friendly environment, and a great range of benefits including excellent training opportunities, free use of our fitness suite, cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, and an Employee Assistance Programme, to name a few.

How to apply:

. Apply now if you do not want to miss out on this exciting opportunity.

Please note CVs will not be accepted.

Deadline for receipt of applications: 12:00 noon Monday 26th October 2026

Interviews: Will be held week commencing w/c 2 November 2026  

We reserve the right to interview successful applicants and close the vacancy prior to the application deadline should we find the perfect candidate.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.