APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK

CONTENTS

Welcome to Brambletye School 3
A Brambletye Education 4
The Role at Brambletye 5
Key Duties & Responsibilities 7
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 PRACTITIONER

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

Our Nursery Practitioners play a vital role in providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for our youngest pupils. Working under the guidance of the Senior Nursery Practitioners, the postholder will support the implementation of the EYFS curriculum, ensuring that every child's individual needs are met and that they are supported to reach their full potential within the Nursery setting

We are seeking an outstanding Early Years Practitioner who will embody Brambletye’s core values ‘Work Hard, Play Hard, Be Kind in their everyday practice.

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: Able to thrive within a supportive, close-knit environment where excellent communication and people skills are essential.

A Love of Outdoors: Previous experience with forest schools or outdoor learning would be a distinct advantage.

NURSERY PRACTITIONER CONT.

HOURS OF WORK

We are looking for a ‘Year Round Practitioner’ and a ‘Term Time Plus’ practitioner. It is important to us that we find the right practitioners for the roles and therefore we are open to discussing working hours and the opportunities for job shares.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible to:	Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery with day- to-day supervision by the Senior Nursery Practitioners (The Seniors)
Responsible for:	N/A

LEARNING & ASSESSMENT

Assist in the planning and delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, providing engaging and age-appropriate activities.

Act as a Key Person for a group of children, completing learning observations, updating Learning Journals, and planning Next Steps.

Assist in maintaining a safe, attractive, clean, and stimulating learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, that encourages exploration and independence [Formatting: Added missing bullet point marker present in original text layout].

Share relevant observations with the Seniors to ensure accurate tracking of pupil progress and the effective planning of next steps

Participate in parent-teacher consultation meetings and write progress reports when required.

CARE & WELFARE

Provide high standards of physical, emotional, and social care, including assisting with mealtimes, hygiene, and personal care routines.

Support wraparound care, covering Breakfast Club and Stay & Play on a rota basis.

Maintain a high level of vigilance regarding child protection and safeguarding, reporting any concerns immediately 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 to encourage kindness, sharing, and selfesteem among the children.

COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

Work collaboratively with the Seniors and the wider Nursery team to ensure the smooth daily operation of the room.

Maintain a flexible approach, with a willingness to support other nursery rooms as required to ensure consistency across the setting.

Provide warm and professional daily feedback to parents and guardians regarding their child’s day and wellbeing.

Act as a positive role model for pupils and represent the Nursery professionally to parents and visitors.

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

Essential

Level 2 childcare-related qualification (or equivalent).

Strong literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths, or equivalent).

Desirable

Level 3 childcare-related qualification would be a distinct advantage.

Evidence of recent, relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

EXPERIENCE

Essential

Previous experience working with children within a nursery or Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) setting.

Desirable

Previous experience or training in Forest Schools or outdoor learning environments.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential

Ability to actively promote the safety, safeguarding, and wellbeing of all pupils.

High-level verbal and written communication, from storytelling with children to professional dialogue with parents.

Natural ability to build warm, effective relationships with children, staff, and parents.

Strong time management with the ability to remain calm, positive, and organised in a busy environment.

Ability to work effectively under pressure and follow professional instructions accurately.

Desirable

Understanding of the EYFS framework, SEND provision, and current safeguarding legislation.

Enthusiastic and innovative attitude toward planning and engaging in play-based learning.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

A genuine love for working with young children, paired with an empathetic, patient nature.

Possesses a naturally welcoming demeanour that instantly puts anxious children (and parents) at ease.

Sees what needs to be done - whether it's setting up an activity or tidying a spill, and jumps in without needing to be asked. Happy to support colleagues when needed.

Thinks on their feet to turn everyday moments or simple materials into imaginative learning experiences.

Ability to handle challenging or sensitive situations with a confidential, diplomatic approach.

A BRAMBLETYE WORKPLACE

SALARY

£24,918 to £29,563 per year, dependent on qualifications and relevant experience, and will be pro-rated based on contractual hours of work.

PROBATION PERIOD

The role is subject to a 3-month probation period.

PENSION

Eligible staff will be automatically enrolled into the school’s pension scheme in line with statutory 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.

SCHOOL FEE REMISSION

A generous discount on school fees is available from the start of your employment across our Nursery, Pre-Prep, and Prep School.

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 the vacancies page of the school’s website here.

TERM DATES

Information about the school’s term dates can be accessed here.

KEY DATES

Application closing date: Monday, 29th June 2026 at 8:00am