Qualified Early Years Practitioner
| Posting date: | 29 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Negotiable |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 13 May 2026 |
| Location: | Southampton, SO16 6YD |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9188-26-0317 |
Summary
About Our Nurseries At Taplins, youll work in modern, purposebuilt nursery environments caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our settings are wellresourced, calm, and professionally run, designed to support highquality early years practice while maintaining realistic, manageable workloads. Our nurseries provide bright, welcoming spaces that enable children to thrive, including: Spacious outdoor play areas Craft and messyplay rooms Sensory spaces and cosy sleep areas Highquality learning resources and equipment The Role Taplins is designed for practitioners seeking a longterm career in early years. With realistic workloads, predictable patterns, strong governance and NHS stability, we offer a role where staff can continue to do what they love without sacrificing wellbeing or worklife balance. Taplins offers a calmer, more sustainable alternative to private nursery settings, without losing the warmth, teamwork and childcentred focus that make early years work rewarding. Our supportive and experienced leadership team includes managers who understand early years practice and prioritise staff wellbeing, support and development. Early years practitioners at Taplins are recognised as skilled professionals and an essential part of the NHS community. Your responsibilities will include: Creating a safe, secure and engaging environment for children Planning and delivering EYFSbased activities that support learning and development Acting as a key person, building strong relationships with children and families Maintaining developmental records and online learning journals (Tapestry) Supporting children with additional needs in partnership with the SENDCo Upholding high standards of hygiene, health and safety Supporting mealtimes and daily routines Working collaboratively within a positive and supportive nursery team To be considered for this role, you must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent. We welcome both experienced and newly qualified Level 3 practitioners and offer dedicated mentorship and training. This vacancy does not meet the Home Office threshold for sponsorship; therefore we are unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK. Other Staff Benefits Since working for our Taplins nurseries mean you join the NHS, youll have access to a wide range of benefits that support your daytoday life, wellbeing, and finances: Travel discounts including 10% off BlueStar and UniLink bus passes Vivup salary sacrifice schemes savings on home and electronics, cycle to work, bike shop purchases, gym membership, travel and leisure Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) confidential support for wellbeing and counselling, financial concerns and debt advice Car benefit scheme (Tusker) access to a brandnew, fully maintained car via salary sacrifice Local and nationwide NHS discounts including free membership at The Company Shop (Southampton), 10% off at Asda, access to Blue Light Card and familyfriendly offers such as kidseat free promotions and discounted activities Referafriend scheme earn up to £1,000 for successful referrals (where applicable) NHS Agenda for Change protections clear pay structures, annual incremental progression and fair, transparent employment processes Longterm job security working within a large NHS Trust with access to redeployment and internal career opportunities. Safeguarding Taplins Nurseries and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to appropriate preemployment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, verification of qualifications, and satisfactory references. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the job description and person specification. Next Steps If you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your application and current opportunities. We look forward to receiving your application.