Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner – Forest Village Kindergarten

Location: Pavilion Building, Morden Recreation Ground, Morden
Job Type: Full-time
Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday – Fridays off!
Qualification: Minimum Level 2 in Early Years Education

Come and grow with us!

Are you a passionate, caring, and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner who believes children learn best through play, nature, and exploration?

At Forest Village Kindergarten, we offer something truly special. Set within the beautiful surroundings of Morden Recreation Ground, our unique kindergarten is surrounded by wonderful natural gardens where children can explore, discover, create, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

We are looking for a warm and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly, supportive, and experienced team.

Whether you are an experienced practitioner or newly qualified, we would love to hear from you! Most importantly, we are looking for someone with a genuine love for working with young children, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference every day.

About Us

Forest Village Kindergarten is a progressive, child-led setting for children aged 1–5 years.

Our philosophy is rooted in play-based learning, outdoor exploration, and following children's natural interests and curiosity. We believe children thrive when they feel safe, valued, respected, and free to explore the world around them.

Our beautiful gardens provide wonderful opportunities for outdoor adventures, imaginative play, creative experiences, and meaningful learning throughout the year.

We pride ourselves on creating a nurturing environment not only for our children but also for our staff. We value teamwork, creativity, humour, kindness, and the sharing of ideas. We want every member of our team to feel supported, appreciated, and encouraged to grow.

What We Offer

We know that a happy, supported team makes all the difference. That's why we aim to offer a positive working environment with excellent benefits and a healthy work-life balance.

A four-day working week – work Monday to Thursday and enjoy every Friday off!

28 days of paid annual leave, including Bank Holidays.

An additional paid week off over Christmas – this is on top of your 28 days of annual leave and does not come out of your holiday allowance.

Paid sick leave – 5 paid sick days, with additional paid sick leave available if needed.

Two paid INSET training days per year.

Opportunities for ongoing training, learning, and professional development.

A welcoming, friendly, and experienced team that supports one another.

A beautiful natural environment with wonderful outdoor learning spaces.

A workplace where your ideas, creativity, wellbeing, and contributions are genuinely valued.

We want you to enjoy coming to work, feel proud of what you do, and have time to enjoy life outside work.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds at least a Level 2 qualification in Early Years Education.
• Has a genuine passion for children's learning, development, and wellbeing.
• Is warm, caring, patient, enthusiastic, and approachable.
• Enjoys outdoor play, nature, messy play, and creative activities.
• Understands the importance of child-led, play-based learning.
• Can build positive and respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Is a positive team player who enjoys sharing ideas and learning from others.
• Is keen to develop their skills and contribute to a wonderful early years environment.

A Paediatric First Aid certificate and Food Safety training would be advantageous but are not essential.

Experience is welcome but not essential. We are happy to hear from newly qualified practitioners who have the right attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will play an important part in children's everyday experiences, helping them feel secure, confident, curious, and excited to learn.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting high-quality, child-led, play-based learning experiences.
• Following children's interests and helping them develop their ideas through play.
• Creating engaging, natural, and inspiring environments that encourage curiosity and exploration.
• Supporting outdoor learning and making the most of our beautiful gardens.
• Encouraging children's independence, confidence, creativity, and social development.
• Building warm, secure, and respectful relationships with children and their families.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
• Supporting children's individual needs, interests, and stages of development.
• Contributing ideas and helping maintain a positive, welcoming atmosphere throughout the kindergarten.

We encourage our practitioners to use their initiative, share their creativity, and bring their own interests and ideas into children's learning.

Working Hours and Opening Pattern with one hour break

• Monday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Tuesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Wednesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Thursday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Friday: Day off

The kindergarten operates for 51 weeks of the year and closes on Bank Holidays and for one week over Christmas.

This role follows our four-day working pattern, allowing you to enjoy a regular three-day weekend.

Why Join Forest Village Kindergarten?

Working with young children is more than a job. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives, support their development, and help create wonderful childhood memories.

At Forest Village Kindergarten, you will be part of a team that believes in the importance of childhood, the magic of outdoor play, and the value of giving children the freedom to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace.

We are looking for someone who shares our passion and wants to grow with us in a supportive, inspiring, and positive environment.

If you love working with young children, enjoy being outdoors, and want to be part of a kindergarten where children's voices, nature, and play are at the heart of everything we do, we would love to hear from you!

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you are enthusiastic, nurturing, creative, and passionate about giving children the best possible start in life, we would love to hear from you.

Come and be part of something special at Forest Village Kindergarten – where children flourish, nature inspires, and our team grows together.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Pay: From £14.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Childcare
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Flexitime
• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• Sick pay
• Unlimited paid holidays

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Morden SM4 6RE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
• Childcare: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person