YMCA Fairthorne Group
Nursery Early Years Practitioner - Fairthorne Manor
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A place where children thrive. A career where you can too.
There aren't many careers where the moments you create today can shape a child's future.
You could be there for a child's first friendship, their growing confidence, or the discovery that sparks a lifelong love of learning. You might help a child solve a problem, ask their hundredth question, or achieve something they've spent weeks trying to master.
That's the impact of Early Years education.
At YMCA Nursery, we're looking for warm, patient, curious and caring people who want to help children learn, grow and thrive through play-based learning.
Whether you're an experienced Early Years Practitioner, hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification, are working towards one, or are considering a career change, we'd love to hear from you.
Because while qualifications matter, the person behind them matters even more.
A working week with more room for life
Our full-time Early Years Practitioners work 40 hours across four days, giving you:
- 4 working days, 3 days off every week.
- More time for family, friends, hobbies and life outside work. Part-time and job-share opportunities may also be available.
Welcome to Fairthorne Manor Nursery
Set within 95 acres of woodland and open space near Botley, Fairthorne Manor Nursery gives children a very different kind of Early Years experience.
Children are cared for from babies through to preschool age, with nature, outdoor play and exploration woven naturally into everyday nursery life. The setting includes extensive outdoor space and a newly developed baby room designed to be calm, nurturing and inclusive.
Here, learning might happen indoors, in the garden or out in the wider grounds.
Children have space to explore, get muddy, notice the changing seasons, build confidence and develop independence through real experiences.
It’s a nursery where the outdoors isn’t an occasional activity.
It’s part of everyday life.
Children learn best when they're actively engaged, curious and having fun. Learning might look like:
- Exploring nature outdoors
- Building, creating and problem-solving
- Investigating how things work
- Storytelling, role play and imaginative play
- Developing independence, resilience and social skills
Sometimes the best learning starts with a carefully planned activity. Sometimes it starts with a cardboard box. Both can be equally valuable.
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As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll:
- Build warm and secure relationships with children
- Help every child feel that they belong
- Support children’s confidence, independence and emotional development
- Create engaging opportunities to learn through play
- Follow children’s interests and turn everyday experiences into opportunities for discovery
- Support communication, language and social development
- Encourage creativity, curiosity and problem-solving
- Provide exciting indoor and outdoor experiences
- Observe children’s development and use what you learn to support what comes next
- Build positive relationships with parents and carers
- Support children with different needs, experiences and starting points
- Work closely with colleagues and share ideas and good practice
- Maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive nursery environment
- Keep children safe through excellent safeguarding and Early Years practice.
While you'll work within the EYFS framework and complete observations and records, your focus will always be the children.
We welcome applications from:
- Qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioners
- Those studying towards an Early Years qualification
- People with experience in education, SEND, youth work, healthcare, coaching, community services or care
Most importantly, we're looking for people who are caring, dependable, curious and committed to helping children grow in confidence, independence and curiosity.
If you have the right values, we can support your development through training and apprenticeship pathways.
More than your next childcare job
Joining YMCA Nursery is more than finding your next childcare job.
It's an opportunity to shape children's earliest experiences, develop your career in Early Years education, and be part of an organisation dedicated to helping children, young people and families belong, contribute and thrive.
If you're looking for an Early Years Practitioner or Nursery Practitioner role in Portsmouth, or you're considering your first step into childcare and Early Years education, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and discover where a career at YMCA could take you.
Safeguarding
YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Equality, diversity and inclusion
YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
We welcome applications from candidates who:
- Hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification, are working towards one, or have relevant transferable experience
- Are caring, patient, dependable and enthusiastic about helping children thrive
- Can build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues
- Are committed to inclusive, play-based learning and outdoor experiences
- Understand the importance of safeguarding and safe Early Years practice
- Are willing to follow the EYFS framework and complete observations and records
- Can support children with different needs, experiences and starting points
- Are willing to undertake all required safer-recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check
Applications are also encouraged from career changers with experience in education, SEND, youth work, healthcare, coaching, community services or care. Training and apprenticeship pathways may be available for candidates with the right values and attitude.
We want you to thrive at work and beyond. That’s why you’ll enjoy:
- 100% childcare discount at our nursery — saving you up to £16,000 a year
- Up to 30 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
- A celebration leave day — an extra day off to celebrate whatever matters to you
- Health Cash Plan and access to a wellbeing assistance programme
- Retail discounts, discounted gym membership and Blue Light Card eligibility
- Career development opportunities to help you learn, progress and achieve your goals
- Fantastic day-camp savings — one free week and one week at 50% off per child, every year
- Discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor, including camping, activities, river hire and day camps
- Cycle to Work scheme
- High-quality resources and a modern working environment
- Most importantly, a warm, caring and supportive culture where you’ll feel welcomed and valued
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