Level 3 Qualified Nursery Practitioner

Level 3 Qualified Nursery Practitioner

Closing date: 01 June 2026

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is delighted to offer opportunities to work within our Taplins Nurseries. Taplins provides high‑quality childcare for NHS families in an environment that supports and values practitioners. Working with the NHS offers security, benefits and a strong team culture that allows you to focus on rewarding early‑years practice without the pressures of the private sector.

This vacancy does not meet the Home Office threshold for sponsorship; therefore we are unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.

To be considered for this role, you must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent.

• Work in modern, purpose‑built nursery environments caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
• Create a safe, secure and engaging environment for children.
• Plan and deliver EYFS‑based activities that support learning and development.
• Act as a key person, building strong relationships with children and families.
• Maintain developmental records and online learning journals (Tapestry).
• Support children with additional needs in partnership with the SENDCo.
• Uphold high standards of hygiene, health and safety.
• Support mealtimes and daily routines.
• Work collaboratively within a positive and supportive nursery team.

• 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
  ) and Trust Taplins Western Community Hospital (SO16 4XE
  )

• 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.
• Flexible earning opportunities: Option to take on additional hours through our staff bank NHS Professionals (NHSP) if desired.
• Travel discounts: 10% off Blue Star and Uni Link bus passes.
• Salary sacrifice schemes: Savings on home and electronics, cycle to work, bike shop purchases, gym membership, travel and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential support for wellbeing and counselling, financial concerns and debt advice.
• Car benefit scheme (Tusker): Access to a brand‑new, fully maintained car via salary sacrifice.
• Local and nationwide NHS discounts: Free membership at The Company Shop (Southampton), 10% off at Asda, access to Blue Light Card and family‑friendly offers.
• Refer a friend scheme: Earn up to £1,000 for successful referrals (where applicable).
• NHS Agenda for Change protections: Clear pay structures, annual incremental progression and fair, transparent employment processes.
• Long‑term job security: Working within a large NHS Trust with access to redeployment and internal career opportunities.

• Good standard of secondary education with literacy and numeracy skills demonstrable to GCSE pass level or equivalent.
• Willingness and ability to undertake Food Safety training.
• Recent previous experience of working with 3 months – 5‑year‑olds within a childcare setting.
• To hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years Qualification (in accordance with ) or above. If level 3 qualified post June 2016, also hold a full paediatric first aid (PFA) or an emergency PFA certificate.

• Current paediatric and/or first aid at work certificate if qualified pre‑June 2016 or if candidate holds a qualification higher than level 3.
• Current food hygiene certificate.

• Patients First.
• Working Together.
• Always Improving.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Taplins Nursery
Tremona Road
Southampton
SO16 6YD

United Kingdom

Permanent

Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working, Compressed hours