APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK
CONTENTS
Welcome to Brambletye School 3
A Brambletye Education 4
The Role at Brambletye 5
Key Duties & Responsibilities 6
Person Specification 9
A Brambletye Workplace 10
Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity 11
Your Application 12
WELCOME TO BRAMBLETYE SCHOOL
…. a very warm welcome and thank you so much for your interest in working at Brambletye School.
My name is Will Brooks, and I have had the privilege of leading this wonderful school as Head since 2015. Founded in 1919 as a small boys’ boarding school in Kent, Brambletye moved to its current home in 1933. Today, we are a thriving independent co-educational prep school for children aged 2 to 13, set within a beautiful country house surrounded by the stunning, tranquil landscapes of the Ashdown Forest and overlooking the Weir Wood Reservoir.
At Brambletye, everything we do is guided by three core values: Work Hard, Play Hard, Be Kind. I am incredibly proud of our staff – they are, without doubt, the school’s greatest strength. From our Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery teams, teaching assistants, and boarding staff, to our specialist teachers of sport, music, and drama, and the dedicated colleagues across our Bursary, Admin, Estates, and Housekeeping departments – every member of staff plays a vital role in creating the warm, dynamic, and nurturing environment our pupils and their families cherish.
What truly sets Brambletye apart is the passion and pride our staff bring to their roles, working together as one team to provide the very best for our pupils.
I believe Brambletye offers not only an inspiring place to work, but also a culture that values openness, support, and above all, the wellbeing and morale of our staff.
I hope you find this Applicant Information Pack both useful and insightful, and I look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to Brambletye in the near future.
Will Brooks Head
A BRAMBLETYE EDUCATION
At Brambletye, we are more than just a school – we are a family.
We share experiences, support one another, and create an environment where kindness is as valued as achievement. Our pupils learn to celebrate each other’s successes as much as their own, fostering a spirit of encouragement and empathy.
A Brambletye education is centred on the individual. We nurture each child’s unique strengths, helping them discover the areas in which they can truly excel, while building their confidence and self-esteem. From the earliest years, we instil a love of learning, a curiosity about the world, and a generous spirit. Most importantly, we encourage our pupils to appreciate their advantages and develop into responsible young people who understand their power to make a positive difference in society.
Our curriculum is broad and stimulating, preparing pupils for Common Entrance or academic scholarship examinations at 13+ . Children are primarily taught by one teacher until the end of Year 4, after which they benefit from specialist teaching in each subject.
Life at Brambletye extends far beyond the classroom. Sport, music, art, drama, and an extensive range of clubs and activities all play a key role in shaping a well-rounded education. Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. Every member of staff – from our teachers and boarding team to our bursary, estates, and support staff – plays an active role in the wellbeing of our pupils. We firmly believe that true academic success is only possible when built on a foundation of happiness and confidence. Our multi-layered pastoral system includes form tutors, personal tutors, house staff, and boarding staff, ensuring that every pupil feels supported and valued.
Today, Brambletye is home to around 300 pupils, from Nursery to Year 8, with a healthy balance of day pupils and boarders. Many of our children also choose to board part-time as day boarders, enjoying the best of both worlds.
At the end of their Brambletye journey, our pupils move on to a wide range of leading senior schools, including Tonbridge, Benenden, King’s Canterbury, Charterhouse, Sevenoaks, Eton, Brighton, Eastbourne, Ardingly, Hurst, Uppingham, Marlborough, and Oundle.
NURSERY BANK STAFF
THE NURSERY AT BRAMBLETYE
Our Nursery is a nurturing environment where our youngest pupils learn, develop, and play, enjoying regular access to our extensive grounds and vibrant Nursery rooms. Starting this September, our Nursery will be moving to an all-year-round provision.
Term-Time: Following our high-quality EYFS curriculum to set the foundations for our pupils' journey.
School Holidays: A lighter, holiday-club style pace focused on growth through engaging, fun activities and outdoor play.
OVERVIEW OF ROLE
The Bank Staff Nursery Practitioner provides flexible, as-needed support to ensure the safe, smooth running of our Nursery. We are seeking adaptable team players who embody our core values ‘Work Hard, Play Hard, Be Kind .
We are looking for applicants who are:
Qualified: Ideally Level 3 (Childcare), though we would consider a Level 2 qualification.
Character-Driven: Enthusiastic, kind, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of children.
A Team Player: Possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
HOURS OF WORK
This is a casual, zero-hours (bank staff) position. Hours are offered on an as-needed basis to cover staff absences, training, or periods of peak demand, meaning there are no guaranteed minimum hours each week.
Flexibility: Work is offered on a flexible basis. Shifts typically fall within our standard nursery hours (between 7:30am and 3:45pm, Monday to Friday), and you are free to accept or decline shifts based on your availability.
Wraparound Care: There may be opportunities to support our wraparound care provision in our Breakfast Club and Stay and Play sessions.
Breaks: Shifts exceeding 6 hours include a minimum 20-minute unpaid break.
Special Events: There may also be occasional opportunities to work weekend events, such as our annual Summer Fun Day.
AVAILABILITY
We recognise that bank staff have varying personal commitments. Your general availability, preferred shifts, and whether you are looking for term-time support, holiday provision support, or both, will be fully discussed with you during the interview stage to ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
| Responsible to: | Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery with supervision by the relevant Senior Nursery Practitioner |
| Responsible for: | N/A |
LEARNING & ASSESSMENT
Assist permanent staff in the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework through engaging, play-based activities.
Support the Key Person for various groups by carrying out observations and sharing feedback on child engagement and wellbeing.
Help maintain a safe, attractive, and stimulating learning environment, ensuring resources are tidy and accessible.
Encourage children’s exploration and independence through active participation in their play and learning.
CARE & WELFARE
Provide high standards of physical, emotional, and social care, including assisting with mealtimes, hygiene, and personal care routines.
Maintain a high level of vigilance regarding child protection and safeguarding, reporting any concerns immediately to a DSL in line with school policy.
Ensure the constant supervision of children, maintaining a safe environment and adhering to required staff-to-child ratios at all times.
Use positive behaviour management strategies as directed by the permanent team to encourage kindness and self-esteem.
COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION
Work collaboratively with the Seniors and the wider Nursery team to adapt quickly to the specific needs of the room you are supporting.
Maintain a flexible and can-do approach, with a willingness to move between nursery rooms as operational needs change.
Provide warm and professional feedback to parents at handovers, ensuring they are informed of their child’s wellbeing during the session.
Represent the Nursery professionally at all times to parents, visitors, and colleagues.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONT.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Support and foster the aims of the School.
Be professional and an excellent role model to the pupils at all times.
Ensure familiarisation with key policies and documents e.g. Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, KCSIE, Prevent Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, IT: E-Safety Policy, Staff Code of Conduct, Good Behaviour, Discipline, Reward and Sanctions Policy etc.
Carry out duties including cover for absent colleagues, break and lunch duties etc.
To attend all relevant staff meetings, Inset Days, and other meetings or events required by the School.
Be familiar with the School’s health and safety guidance and be responsible for personal health and safety and that of the pupils.
Perform reasonable additional duties as required by the School, commensurate with the post.
SAFEGUARDING
Complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS) and any other safeguarding checks.
Ensure familiarisation with key safeguarding policies and documents e.g. Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, KCSIE, Prevent Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, IT: E-Safety Policy, Staff Code of Conduct etc.
Commit to regular training regarding safeguarding e.g. Child Protection, Prevent etc.
Be fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all pupils at Brambletye School at all times.
The postholder may be reasonably required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time without changing the character of the duties or the level of the responsibility entailed.
If during the course of time the duties and responsibilities detailed should change significantly and for a sustained period of time, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder.
It is the shared responsibility of the postholder and their line manager to ensure that job descriptions are kept up to date.
| Job Description Written/Updated: | June 2026 |
| By: | Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery/ Bursar |
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The selection of applicants for shortlisting will be based on this specification, therefore applicants should bear this in mind when preparing and completing their application form.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Childcare Qualifications: Holds a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare (e.g., NVQ, CACHE, or equivalent).
Curriculum Knowledge: A solid foundational understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and how to support child development through play.
Safeguarding Excellence: A robust, up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, with an unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all children.
Proven Experience: Practical experience working within an Early Years setting, nursery, or pre-school environment is highly desirable.
Adaptability & Rapport: A proven ability to quickly build warm, trusting relationships with children, parents, and permanent staff members alike.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Exceptional Flexibility: The ability to seamlessly adapt to changing daily routines, step into different age-group rooms at short notice, and respond positively to the dynamic needs of the Nursery.
Child-Centred Passion: A genuine warmth and passion for early years education, combined with an empathetic, patient, and nurturing approach to young children.
Reliability & Professionalism: Outstanding punctuality and reliability, recognizing that bank staff play a critical role in maintaining legal staff-to-child ratios and ensuring operational continuity.
Collaborative Team Player: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive, can-do attitude that thrives within a close-knit, supportive team.
Resilience & Positivity: The ability to remain calm, resourceful, and positive in a vibrant, busy, and fast-paced nursery environment.
A BRAMBLETYE WORKPLACE
SALARY
The hourly rate for this role will range from £12.78 to £15.16 per hour (dependent on experience and whether a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification is held), plus accrued holiday pay.
PENSION
You will be automatically enrolled into the school’s pension scheme if you meet the statutory age and earnings thresholds, in line with legal requirements.
INDUCTION
New staff benefit from a comprehensive and supportive induction programme, which includes:
Detailed tour of the school and its facilities
Introductions to key members of staff
Child Protection and Safeguarding training
Health and Safety induction
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & APPRAISALS
We are committed to the continuous professional development (CPD) of all staff. Regular appraisals are held to support career progression and professional growth.
WELLBEING & THE BRAMBLETYE COMMUNITY
Brambletye places great emphasis on staff wellbeing and morale, fostering a culture of mutual support. Staff enjoy:
Regular social events throughout the year
A vibrant, welcoming community environment
LEISURE FACILITIES
Staff enjoy complimentary access (when available) to the school’s excellent leisure facilities, including sports hall, squash courts, tennis courts, and all-weather pitch.
SAFEGUARDING, EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
SAFEGUARDING AT BRAMBLETYE
Brambletye School is firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. We expect every member of our community—including staff, Governors, and volunteers—to share this commitment.
Our Commitment
Safeguarding is central to everything we do at Brambletye.
All staff are required to follow the school’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always the highest priority.
Every member of staff, regardless of their role, holds responsibility for safeguarding the children entrusted to us.
Recruitment & Screening
All successful applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening, which includes:
Reference checks with previous employers
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or international equivalent, where applicable)
Positions at Brambletye are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means all convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings— including those considered "spent" under the Act—must be declared, subject to DBS filtering rules.
Information provided will be treated in strict confidence, and each case will be considered on its individual merits.
Failure to disclose relevant information may lead to the withdrawal of an offer of employment or immediate termination of employment.
Brambletye School’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy can be found here.
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Brambletye School is proud to be an inclusive and equal opportunities employer. We:
Treat all applicants with dignity, fairness, and respect throughout the recruitment process.
Value the diversity of our staff and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Provide support where needed to ensure that every applicant has a fair opportunity to succeed.
YOUR APPLICATION
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like an informal discussion about this role before submitting your application, please contact Kate Fleming (Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery) at kfleming@brambletye.com.
Please note that nursery tours will only be available to applicants during the interview stage.
Download the application form from the Brambletye School website.
Once completed, email it to Nick Hollamby (Bursar) at nhollamby@brambletye.com.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process or require assistance with the form, please contact Nick, who will be happy to help.
SHORTLISTING
Applications will be assessed against the criteria outlined in this document, with shortlisted applicants invited to attend an interview at Brambletye School.
ONLINE CHECKS
All shortlisted applicants will undergo an online background check in line with the school’s safeguarding commitments.
REFERENCES
References will normally be obtained prior to interview unless you indicate otherwise.
OVERSEAS POLICE CHECK
If you have lived outside the UK for more than three months in the past ten years, you will be required to provide a police clearance certificate from the relevant country or countries.
SUPPORTING RECRUITMENT DOCUMENTS & POLICIES
Applicants should familiarise themselves with the school’s supporting recruitment documents and policies, these are available on vacancies page of the school’s website here.
TERM DATES
Information about the school’s term dates can be accessed here.
KEY DATES
Please note that we will be interviewing as applications are received, therefore early application is strongly advised.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy when suitable appointments have been made.