Early Years Practitioner

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Job Reference EPSEDJOBS/1529/13959

Apply for this job Number of Positions: 1 Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time Salary: £22,255 (Actual annual salary) Working Hours: Full Time (8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday) Establishment Name and Location: Lanterns Nursery School and Extended Services, Bereweeke Road, Winchester Closing Date: 19/11/2026 Job Category: Support Local Authority: Hampshire Phase of Education: Nursery/Early Years

Job Introduction

A Unique Opportunity to Learn, Grow and Make a Difference

Are you playful, imaginative and engaging? Are you looking for a role that offers stability, variety and supports professional development?

Lanterns Nursery School is an Ofsted "Outstanding" Maintained Nursery School with a difference. We are looking for a dedicated Practitioner to join our team.

The Role: A Journey of Development This position offers a rare blend of specialist experience and broad early years practice.

● Initially: You will join our Grasshopper Class, provision for children with social communication differences. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop high-level skills in SEND, supported by a highly experienced team. You don't need to be an expert yet - just passionate and willing to learn.

● The Future: This is a permanent contract. After your first year, the role offers flexibility. You might continue within our specialist provision or move into our inclusive mainstream classes (ages 8 months to 4 years) depending on the needs of the whole school. This ensures you gain a truly rounded experience across different educational environments.

Why Lanterns? Lanterns is a special place, making a difference is in our DNA. We are diverse, inclusive and forward-thinking.

● Real Training: You will access bespoke induction and ongoing CPD in areas such as Makaton, Attention Autism, Trauma-Informed Practice and Sensory Processing.

● Real Honesty: There’s no getting around it - some days will be harder than others! The pace is fast and you will need to think on your feet. But you will be working alongside colleagues who are passionate, determined and supportive. We look after each other so we can look after the children.

About You We are looking for someone who:

● Has a passion for Early Years and an interest in SEND (experience is useful, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential).

● Is creative and adaptable, able to use your own initiative to engage and inspire children.

● Can build strong relationships with families and work effectively within both a small and large team.

● Is resilient, reflective and eager to grow professionally.

What We Offer

● Stability: A permanent contract with Local Authority pay conditions and pension.

● Balance: Term-time working hours.

● Wellbeing: A supportive environment with access to employee support that includes confidential counselling and health advice.

● Growth: The chance to work in one of only three Maintained Nursery Schools in Hampshire, following the most up-to-date research and practice.

Key Dates

● Closing Date: Thursday 19th November

● Interview Date(s): Week beginning 23rd November

● Start Date: January 2027

Ready to join the team? If you want to be part of a team that changes lives (including your own), we would love to hear from you.

To Apply: More details about Lanterns Nursery School, the role and all the application information can be found on our website - https://www.lanterns.hants.sch.uk/

Any questions, please email [email removed]

Visits to our school are warmly welcomed.

Due to the high priority of these roles, applications will be reviewed upon receipt and successful candidates will be contacted regarding interview arrangements ASAP prior to closing date.

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