Nursery Practitioner

Newlyn School is seeking a warm, positive and motivated Nursery Practitioner to join our growing Early Years team. We are looking for someone with a calm, nurturing approach who also brings ambition, creativity and high expectations for every child. Our ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting young learners to grow, explore and thrive in a rich and inspiring environment.

This role is for 15 hours per week. Morning or afternoons or a flexible working pattern over 2-3 days term time only.
Nursery opening times are 9:00am until 3:00pm daily with wraparound from 8:00am – 9:00am and from 3:00pm until 5:30pm daily.
As a Nursery Practitioner at Newlyn School, you will work closely with teaching colleagues and Early Years staff to deliver high‑quality learning experiences through play‑based, child‑centred provision. You will be confident in leading small groups, supporting individual children, and contributing to purposeful activities that promote communication, early literacy, early mathematics, social development and independence.
In the Early Years at Newlyn School, every interaction matters. We are looking for a practitioner who can provide:
High‑Quality InteractionsEngage children in purposeful conversations that extend their language, curiosity and critical thinking.Use open‑ended questions, modelling, repetition and rich vocabulary to deepen learning.Tune in to children’s interests and follow their lead, supporting sustained shared thinking.Emotion Coaching & NurtureUse emotion coaching strategies to help children understand, label and regulate their feelings.Support children to develop empathy, resilience and positive relationships through co‑regulation.Model warm, predictable and emotionally safe interactions that build trust and confidence.Progressive, Play‑Based LearningPlan and facilitate rich, meaningful experiences in continuous provision that link directly to learning goals.Adapt activities so children of all needs and abilities can access, explore and progress at their own pace.Observe children closely and use these observations to shape next steps in learning.Early Phonics & Pre‑LiteracySupport children with early phonics, focusing on developing listening skills, sound discrimination, oral blending and segmenting.Create playful, multisensory opportunities for early reading and mark‑making.Build early literacy confidence through songs, rhymes, rhythm, storytelling, and sound‑rich environments.
This dedicated EYFS practice is woven into everything we do; the right candidate will bring enthusiasm, curiosity and professional skill to each moment of learning through play.
The successful candidate will:Support the planning and delivery of engaging, inclusive Early Years learning opportunities.Work 1:1, with small groups and as part of whole‑class provision under the guidance of the Nursery management team and EYFS Lead.Help create a nurturing, stimulating environment where every child feels safe, valued and able to thrive.Contribute to observations, assessments and next steps that inform children’s progress and development.Support personalised provision, including for children with additional needs, helping every child access learning successfully.Build warm, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.Engage fully with all aspects of school life—including Forest School, Beach School, clubs and wrap‑around care where possible. There are also opportunities to support with Holiday Club events should you wish to.
At Newlyn School, we value staff development highly. You will have access to a robust training package that includes:High‑quality teaching and learning strategiesTherapeutic approachesPedagogical development aligned with best Early Years practiceOngoing CPD opportunities to support you to grow, specialise and make a meaningful difference
Our Vision
At Newlyn School we are deeply committed to ensuring all children become confident, ambitious, curious learners who leave us proud of who they are and where they come from. We guide children to achieve well academically, grow emotionally and socially, and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging within our community.We are incredibly proud of our nurturing and inclusive environment, and we warmly welcome applications from those who share our vision. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to arrange a personalised visit—come and witness the joy, creativity and community spirit that make Newlyn School such a special place.
About You:
You will have a child-centered approach, and will provide a creative, inclusive and challenging curriculum which inspires and motivates children and supports high quality teaching and learning both indoors and out. 
We are looking for someone who:Is flexible, enthusiastic and eager to be part of a collaborative, supportive team.Places children’s needs, wellbeing and happiness at the heart of their practice.Brings creativity and adaptability to design learning experiences accessible to all children.Is reflective, proactive and committed to continuous professional growth.Has experience supporting young children, including those with SEND (desirable but not essential).Shows passion, warmth, patience and a genuine love of Early Years education. Benefits of Working with Us:
As a leading Academy Trust, we are able to offer our staff a range of continued professional development opportunities alongside family friendly policies and access to the Local Government/Teachers Pension Schemes. More on our benefits can be found here.
How to Apply and Further Info:
To be considered for this role, please click the “Apply” button above to submit your online application.The closing date and time for receiving applications is 1st November at 11pmIf you wish to discuss this position ahead of applying, please contact Lauren Huntington, Headteacher on [email removed] or by telephone on [phone removed].Interviews to be held on Week commencing 9th November.
If you encounter any issues with the online application, please contact the Talent Team for assistance at [email removed].
TPAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application as part of their pre-employment administration. The amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) provide that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’. This means that they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Other pre-employment checks will include receipt of two satisfactory references, evidence of right to work in the UK, proof of any relevant qualifications and completion of a health assessment questionnaire.