Level 3 Qualified Nursery Practitioner

Taplins Nursery is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title:

Level 3 Qualified Early Years Practitioner

Contract Type:
Permanent

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

Taplins Nurseries, part of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, are recruiting experienced & newly qualified Nursery Practitioners who hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).

Taplins provide high‑quality childcare for NHS families and offers an environment where practitioners feel supported, valued and respected. The security and benefits of NHS employment, together with a strong team culture, allow staff to focus on rewarding early years practice without the pressures often experienced in the private sector.

• Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 07:00–18:30 (closed on bank holidays)
• Work patterns: Full‑time and part‑time roles available with flexible working open for discussion
• Salary: £25,760–£27,476 per annum (£13.17–£14.05 per hour equivalent) with incremental pay progression
• Location: Taplins Southampton General (SO16 6YD
  )

• Work–life balance – Flexible opportunities, including a 4‑day working week for full‑time roles (37.5 hours)
  Generous leave – 35 days paid annual leave rising with service, alongside enhanced maternity and paternity pay, compassionate leave and support during unforeseen circumstances.

• Discounts and wellbeing – Access to Blue Light Card and other local and nationwide staff discounts

Taplins Nursery, part of University Hospital Southampton, provides high-quality early years education in a unique NHS setting. We offer a supportive, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive, and where staff are valued as essential to delivering outstanding care.

Based on the south coast, Southampton offers an excellent place to live and work, with great transport links and access to the New Forest, South Downs, and Jurassic Coast.

At Taplins, we’re committed to supporting your development within early years education. Whether you’re starting your career or building on existing experience, we offer opportunities to learn, grow, and progress within a well-established and supportive team.

We value individuality and believe that a diverse, inclusive workforce enables us to provide the best possible care for children and families. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and empowered to contribute.

We also recognise the importance of work‑life balance and will support flexible working arrangements where possible, helping you balance your career with other priorities.

At Taplins, you’ll work in modern, purpose‑built nursery environments caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years and whose parents work within our hospitals. Our settings are well‑resourced, calm, and professionally run, designed to support high‑quality early years practice while maintaining realistic, manageable workloads.

Our nurseries provide bright, welcoming spaces that enable children to thrive, including:

• Spacious outdoor play areas
• Craft and messy‑play rooms
• Sensory spaces and cosy sleep areas
• High‑quality learning resources and equipment

Taplins is designed for practitioners seeking a long‑term career in early years. With realistic…