University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Level 3 Qualified Nursery Practitioner
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Level 3 Qualified Nursery Practitioner
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner – Taplins Nurseries
Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) invites qualified Early Years Practitioners to join Taplins Nurseries, providing high-quality childcare within an NHS environment. This role offers flexible working, competitive NHS salary scales, and a team culture focused on support and professional growth.
About the Role
asphaltasaplins Nurseries, part of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, are seeking experienced and newly qualified Nursery Practitioners with a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) to deliver outstanding early childhood care in a stable, NHS-backed setting.
We provide:
- A supportive, nurturing environment where early years professionals thrive.
- Security and flexibility of NHS employment, avoiding private-sector pressures.
- Opportunities to shape a long-term career in childcare within a well-established nursery team.
Key Responsibilities
-
Caring for children (3 months–5 years):
- Creating a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment for learning and play.
- Supporting EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)-aligned activities that nurture development.
- Acting as the key person, building strong relationships with children and families.
- Maintaining developmental records and digital learning journals (e.g., Tapestry).
-
Specialist Support:
- Partnering with our SENDCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) to support children with additional needs.
- Ensuring high hygiene, health and safety standards (including mealtimes and routines).
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- Collaborative Practice:
- Working within a positive, inclusive team to deliver consistent, high-quality care.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
✅ Qualifications & Training:
- Full Level 3 Early Years qualification (as per OFSTED/EYFS standards).
- Paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate (must be current if qualified after June 2016). Older qualifications may require an emergency PFA only.
- Functional equivalent to GCSE-standard literacy and numeracy.
✅ Experience & Skills:
- Relevant childcare experience (working with 3-month to 5-year-olds).
- Commitment to undertaking Food Safety training.
- Alignment with NHS Trust values: Patients First, Working Together, Always Improving.
Desirable Criteria
✔ Additional Qualifications:
- Current Paediatric or Workplace First Aid (if qualified pre-2016 or hold a higher level qualification).
- Current food hygiene certificate.
Why Join us?
Attractive Rewards & Support
- Competitive pay: £25,760–£27,476 (£13.17–£14.05/hour), with annual incremental progression.
- Flexible working models: Full-time/part-time options, including 4-day weeks (37.5 hrs).
- Generous leave & perks:
- ✅ 35 days annual leave (+ maternity/paternity/compassionate leave).
- ✅ Vivup salary sacrifice (savings on tech, bikes, and leasure).
- ✅ Blue Light Card & NHS discounts (emergency trips, Asda 10% off, kids’ free meals).
- ✅ Car benefit scheme (Tusker) via salary sacrifice.
- Sustainability & growth:
- Healthcare sector job security and potential redeployment.
- Career progression in a long-term NHS setting.
- Wellbeing support:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) (counselling/debt advice).
- Refer-a-friend scheme (up to £1,000 for successful appointments).
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Safeguarding & Commitment
All roles require compliance with our safeguarding policies, including:
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Verified qualifications and professional references.
Note: This role does not qualify for UK work visa sponsorship.
Location & Environment
- Nurseries: Southampton General Hospital (SO16 6YD) and Western Community Hospital (SO16 4XE).
- Opening Hours: Mon–Fri, 07:00–18:30 (closed bank holidays).
- Setting Highlights:
- Spacious outdoor play areas, themed rooms (craft, sensory),
- High-quality educational materials for meaningful play.
Next Steps
Apply with proof of Level 3 Early Years qualification and paediatric first aid certificate (as applicable). NHS Practitioners (NHSP) staff bank roles also available for flexible extra hours.
"Taplins Nursery transforms the early years experience—calmer, more fulfilling, and uniquely medical." Join us to be valued, nurtured, and rewarded in the vibrant life of the NHS.
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