Nursery Practitioner

Yarrells: A great big hug of a school!

Are you a passionate and caring Early Years professional looking to join a warm, ambitious, and thriving school community?

Yarrells School is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our welcoming Nursery team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing, child-centred environment where children are encouraged to flourish through curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Set within beautiful grounds in Dorset, Yarrells School offers a vibrant and supportive workplace with high standards, strong values, and a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.

Why Join Yarrells?

At Yarrells, we know that outstanding staff create exceptional experiences for children. We are proud to offer:

• A friendly, supportive, and collaborative team culture

• Well-resourced Nursery setting with excellent indoor and outdoor spaces

• Opportunities for training, development, and career progression

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience

• School fee remission (where applicable)

• Pension scheme

• Staff wellbeing focus

• The chance to be part of a successful and growing independent school community

The Role

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will play a key role in creating a safe, happy, and inspiring environment where every child feels valued and supported.

You will:

• Deliver high-quality care and learning in line with the EYFS framework

• Plan engaging activities that support children’s development and curiosity

• Build warm, positive relationships with children and families

• Observe and track progress, celebrating each child’s achievements

• Support children’s wellbeing, confidence, and independence

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to create an exceptional Nursery experience

• Contribute to the wider life of the School through events and activities

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about early years education and childcare

• Warm, energetic, and nurturing in approach

• A strong team player with excellent communication skills

• Committed to delivering high standards of care and learning

• Organised, positive, and professional

• Keen to continue developing professionally

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent)

• Experience working in an Early Years setting

• Good understanding of the EYFS framework

• Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare

Desirable

• Paediatric First Aid qualification

• SEND experience or training

• Experience in an independent school or nursery setting

About Yarrells School

Yarrells School is a thriving independent prep school in Dorset, known for its family feel, ambitious standards, and commitment to developing confident, happy children. Our Nursery is a vital part of the School, offering an outstanding start to each child’s educational journey.

Apply Now

If you are an enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner who wants to work in a happy, forward-thinking school where your contribution is genuinely valued, we would love to hear from you.

Start Date: September 2026
Contract: permanent, all year round
Hours: 40 hours per week, between 7.30am & 6pm, Monday to Friday
Salary: £28,000 - £30,160 per annum, depending on experience
How to Apply: complete the TES application form
Interview Dates: September 2026

All successful candidates will be subject to safer recruitment checks.

Yarrells Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants should read the School's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, which are available on the School’s website. Applicants are required to declare any criminal convictions or cautions, or disciplinary proceedings related to children and young people and must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.