Nursery Practitioner (Maternity Cover)

APPLICANT INFORMATION PACKAppointment ofNursery Practitioner (Maternity Cover)May 2026 StartCONTENTSWelcome to Brambletye SchoolA Brambletye EducationThe Role at BrambletyeKey Duties & ResponsibilitiesPerson SpecificationA Brambletye WorkplaceSafeguarding, Equality & DiversityYour Application34569101112…. a very warm welcome and thank you so much for your interest in working at BrambletyeSchool.My name is Will Brooks, and I have had the privilege of leading this wonderful school as Headsince 2015. Founded in 1919 as a small boys’ boarding school in Kent, Brambletye moved to itscurrent home in 1933. Today, we are a thriving independent co-educational prep school forchildren aged 2 to 13, set within a beautiful country house surrounded by the stunning, tranquillandscapes 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, BeKind. 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 ourspecialist teachers of sport, music, and drama, and the dedicated colleagues across ourBursary, Admin, Estates, and Housekeeping departments – every member of staff plays a vitalrole in creating the warm, dynamic, and nurturing environment our pupils and their familiescherish.What truly sets Brambletye apart is the passion and pride our staff bring to their roles, workingtogether 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 valuesopenness, 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 tothe possibility of welcoming you to Brambletye in the near future.Will Brooks HeadWELCOME TO BRAMBLETYE SCHOOL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 asvalued as achievement.  Our pupils learn to celebrate each other’s successes as much as theirown, 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 confidenceand 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 theiradvantages and develop into responsible young people who understand their power to make apositive difference in society.Our curriculum is broad and stimulating, preparing pupils for Common Entrance or academicscholarship examinations at 13+.  Children are primarily taught by one teacher until the end ofYear 4, after which they benefit from specialist teaching in each subject.Life at Brambletye extends far beyond the classroom. Sport, music, art, drama, and anextensive 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 teachersand boarding team to our bursary, estates, and support staff – plays an active role in thewellbeing of our pupils. We firmly believe that true academic success is only possible when builton a foundation of happiness and confidence.  Our multi-layered pastoral system includes formtutors, personal tutors, house staff, and boarding staff, ensuring that every pupil feelssupported and valued.Today, Brambletye is home to around 300 pupils, from Nursery to Year 8, with a healthybalance of day pupils and boarders.  Many of our children also choose to board part-time asday boarders, enjoying the best of both worlds.At the end of their Brambletye journey, our pupils move on to a wide range of leading seniorschools, including Tonbridge, Benenden, King’s Canterbury, Charterhouse, Sevenoaks, Eton,Brighton, Eastbourne, Ardingly, Hurst, Uppingham, Marlborough, and Oundle.A BRAMBLETYE EDUCATIONTHE NURSERY AT BRAMBLETYEOur Nursery is a special environment where our youngest pupils learn, develop, and play.Children begin their journey in our nurturing nursery setting before transitioning to our vibrant,well-resourced classrooms.  Throughout their time here, they enjoy regular access to ourextensive grounds and outdoor play equipment.OVERVIEW OF ROLEAs a Nursery Practitioner, you will play a fundamental role in providing invaluable support toour Room Leaders.  Your work ensures that our youngest pupils enjoy a joyful, nurturing, andexceptional start to their Brambletye journey.We are seeking an outstanding early years practitioner who will embody Brambletye’s corevalues‘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 excellentcommunication and people skills are essential.A Love of Outdoors:  Previous experience with forest schools or outdoor learning would bea distinct advantageHOURS OF WORKThis is a maternity cover role and we require the successful applicant to work from Wednesday,20th May to Friday, 3rd July 2026.  There may be the possibility of extending the maternity coverinto the autumn term, which will be confirmed during the summer term.The hours of work for this role would be Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 3:45pm and Fridays7:30am to 3:45pm with a 30 minute unpaid break each day.There will also be the requirement to work Saturday, 6th June 9:00am to 2:00pm for ourSummer Fun Day.NURSERY PRACTITIONERSUPPORT FOR PUPILSEstablish and maintain positive and supportive relationships with pupils and their parents orguardians to encourage trust, open communication, and full participation in nursery life.Support pupils with developing personal hygiene and intimate care.Act as a Key Person, completing learning observations and records in accordance with theEYFS.Update Tapestry and plan next steps for pupil development.Prepare and clear away drinks, snacks, and lunch for pupils.Assist with the setup, cleaning, and clearing away of art and craft materials.Maintain high expectations while promoting the self-esteem and independence of pupils.Engage actively with pupils during playtime and break times.Use praise during activities to encourage positive behaviour.Report any concerns regarding a pupil to the relevant Nursery Room Leader.Participate in parent and teacher consultations and contribute to written reports asrequired.SUPPORT FOR NURSERY ROOM LEADERSAct as an active and supportive member of the nursery team, taking direction from therelevant Nursery Room Leader.Collaborate with Nursery Room Leaders to foster a warm, supportive, caring, and friendlyenvironment.Ensure pupils are taught in a happy, safe, welcoming, inclusive, and stimulatingenvironment.Monitor pupil responses to learning activities and accurately record their achievement andprogress.Support groups of pupils or individuals under the guidance of the Nursery Room Leader.Assist with the display and presentation of pupil work both inside and outside the nurseryarea.Responsible  to:Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery withsupervision by the Nursery RoomLeaderResponsible for:N/AKEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESEYFS CURRICULUMUndertake structured and agreed learning activities.Record achievement and progress, reporting back to the relevant Nursery Room Leader.Prepare, maintain, and use equipment and resources required for lesson plans and learningactivities.Assist pupils in the effective use of resources and equipment.ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIESSupport and foster the aims of the School.Be professional and a good 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 bythe School.Be familiar with the School’s health and safety guidance and be responsible for personalhealth and safety and that of the pupils.Perform reasonable additional duties as required by the School, commensurate with thepost.SAFEGUARDINGComplete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS) and any other safeguardingchecks.Ensure familiarisation with key safeguarding policies and documents e.g. Child Protection(Safeguarding) Policy, KCSIE, Prevent Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, IT: E-Safety Policy, StaffCode 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 alltimes.KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONT.Job Description Written/Updated:March 2026By:Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery/HR ManagerThe postholder may be reasonably required to perform duties other than those given in the jobdescription for the post. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post mayvary from time to time without changing the character of the duties or the level of theresponsibility entailed. If during the course of time the duties and responsibilities detailed should change significantlyand for a sustained period of time, the job description will be reviewed and amended inconsultation with the postholder. It is the shared responsibility of the postholder and their line manager to ensure that jobdescriptions are kept up to date.The selection of applicants for shortlisting will be based on this specification, thereforeapplicants should bear this in mind when preparing and completing their application form. QUALIFICATIONSA level 2 childcare-related qualification is essential; a level 3 qualification would be highlydesirable.Strong literacy and numeracy skills, including GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.Previous experience with forest schools or outdoor learning would be highly desirable.Evidence of recent and relevant continuing professional development.SKILLS & EXPERIENCEProven experience working with children within a nursery or EYFS setting is essential.A strong understanding of relevant legislation, including the EYFS framework, SEN, andsafeguarding, is a distinct advantage.High-level communication skills, ranging from engaging children through storytelling toholding professional conversations with parents.Ability to work in a way that actively promotes the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.Strong time management and the ability to stay organised in a busy environment.The ability to handle challenging situations with a confidential and diplomatic approach.Able to work effectively under pressure and follow professional instructions accurately.PERSONAL QUALITIESEnthusiastic and self-motivated.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.Possess an efficient and organised working manner.Good time management skills.Calm, with the ability to work under pressure.Supportive team player, with the ability to work on own initiative and without supervision.Able to understand and follow rules and procedures, such as safeguarding and health andsafety.Presentable, smart in appearance, and professional in conduct.Flexible approach to duties and hours of work when required.Willingness to contribute to the wider school community.Diplomatic and confidential regarding school matters.Willingness to participate in training offered by the school.PERSON SPECIFICATIONSALARY The total salary for the period of employment ranges from £3,067 to £3,661 pro-rata,depending on your experience and whether you hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.PENSION Eligible staff will be automatically enrolled into the school’s pension scheme in line withstatutory requirements.INDUCTION New staff benefit from a comprehensive and supportive induction programme, which includes:Detailed tour of the school and its facilitiesIntroductions to key members of staffChild Protection and Safeguarding trainingHealth and Safety inductionPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & APPRAISALS We are committed to the continuous professional development (CPD) of all staff. Regularappraisals 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 mutualsupport. Staff enjoy:Regular social events throughout the yearA vibrant, welcoming community environmentLEISURE 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.A BRAMBLETYE WORKPLACESAFEGUARDING, EQUALITY & DIVERSITYSAFEGUARDING AT BRAMBLETYE Brambletye School is firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of allchildren and young people in our care. We expect every member of our community—includingstaff, Governors, and volunteers—to share this commitment.Our CommitmentSafeguarding is central to everything we do at Brambletye.All staff are required to follow the school’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, ensuringthat the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always the highest priority.Every member of staff, regardless of their role, holds responsibility for safeguarding thechildren entrusted to us.Recruitment & ScreeningAll successful applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening, whichincludes:Reference checks with previous employersEnhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or international equivalent,where applicable)Positions at Brambletye are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Thismeans all convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings— including thoseconsidered "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 consideredon its individual merits.Failure to disclose relevant information may lead to the withdrawal of an offer ofemployment or immediate termination of employment.Brambletye School’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy can be found at 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 allbackgrounds.Provide support where needed to ensure that every applicant has a fair opportunity tosucceed.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 Heather White (HR Manager) at hwhite@brambletye.com.If you have any questions about the recruitment process or require assistance with theform, please contact Heather, who will be happy to help.SHORTLISTINGApplications will be assessed against the criteria outlined in this document, with shortlistedapplicants invited to attend an interview at Brambletye School.ONLINE CHECKSAll shortlisted applicants will undergo an online background check in line with the school’ssafeguarding commitments.REFERENCESReferences 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 berequired 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 documentsand policies, these are available on vacancies page of the school’s website here. TERM DATESInformation about the school’s term dates can be accessed here.KEY DATES Application deadline: Friday 20th March 2026 at 9.00amInterviews: Tuesday 24th March 2026YOUR APPLICATION