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Early Years Practitioner 

Early Years Practitioner (EYP) 

Join an Outstanding Team Where Every Child is Empowered to Thrive

Are you an experienced, passionate, and reflective practitioner looking for a permanent role in a setting that values your expertise?

Key information

 
  • Closing Date: Monday 31st August 2026

  • Interview Date(s): Week beginning 8th September 2026

  • Job Start Date: ASAP

  • Contract/Hours: Permanent 

  • Salary Type: Support Staff 

  • Salary Details: Support Staff Grade C, £25,186 - £26,244 FTE

  • Hours of Work: Full time 8am to 4pm (5 days) or 7:30am to 5:30pm (4 days), Term Time.

  • Location of Role: Lanterns Nursery School, Winchester

  • Contact e-mail address: recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk

Lanterns Nursery School is a truly special place. Making a meaningful difference to children and families is in our DNA. As one of only three Headteacher-led Maintained Nursery Schools in Hampshire, we offer a nurturing, high-quality environment where our staff are our number one asset. We are looking for a dedicated professional to join our wonderful, forward-thinking team.

Why Lanterns?

  • A Culture of Inclusion: Everyone is welcome here. From the age of 8 months, our children naturally embrace diversity and the differences they are surrounded with.

  • Forward-Thinking and Reflective: We are a learning community. We pride ourselves on being reflective, constantly evolving our practice to ensure we deliver the most up-to-date, high-impact early years experiences.

  • A Supportive Team: You will work alongside some of the most amazing, determined, and passionate people in the sector. We recognise that looking after each other is what enables us to do our best work for our children.

  • Professional Growth: We provide a thorough induction and fantastic opportunities to expand your skills in specialist areas like Makaton, communication visuals, and trauma-informed practice.

The Role: Impact and Connection

As an EYP at Lanterns, you will be a key part of our vibrant classroom teams:

  • Key Person Excellence: You will be responsible for a group of key children, getting to know them deeply and adapting the curriculum to reflect their unique interests and developmental stages.

  • Inclusive Practice: You will use a range of creative strategies to ensure every child can access an exciting and appropriate curriculum.

  • Child-Led Learning: Work with the team to plan and implement an inspiring curriculum that flows between our indoor and outdoor learning spaces.

  • Problem Solving: You’ll think on your feet, share fresh ideas, and work collaboratively to find solutions that help our children flourish.

What You’ll Bring

  • Experience and Passion: A solid background in a school or early years setting and a genuine love for educating young children.

  • A Playful Initiative: You are motivated, playful, and able to use your own initiative to engage and inspire.

  • Strong Communication: An open mind and the ability to work effectively within a large, diverse, and forward-thinking team.

  • Reflective Practice: An active interest in professional development and a desire to grow your skills within our specialist setting.

What We Can Offer You

  • Permanent Contract: Security in a well-established, Outstanding setting.

  • Flexible Working: While we prefer full-time (37 hours), we are happy to consider part-time applicants who can commit to full working days (e.g., 3 days per week).

  • Hampshire County Council Benefits: As a local authority employee, you will benefit from:

    • Competitive pay conditions and the Local Government Pension Scheme.

    • Family-friendly policies and term-time only working.

    • Access to the Employee Support Hub, including confidential counselling and health advice.

    • Staff discounts via the Kaarp scheme.

  • Bespoke Training: Exceptional CPD including the "Lanterns Approach," sensory processing, and more.

  • Additional hours – breakfast, afterschool and holiday playscheme.

EYP Role Profile

EYP Person Spec

Local List of duties EYP

Ready to see what makes us different? Check out our website or come and visit.

Applications are reviewed upon receipt, and we will contact successful candidates for interview ASAP.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Application Procedure

Please complete and return the application form (linked here > Support Staff Application Form)and return by email to recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk

Lanterns Nursery School & Extended Services and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. 

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant (LSA) 

  • Closing Date: Wednesday 26th August 2026 

  • Interview Date(s): Wednesday 2nd September 2026

  • Contract/Hours: Permanent, Part-time 

  • Salary Type: Support Staff 

  • Salary Details: Grade A, £ (actual salary £7,085)

  • Hours of Work: 12.5 hours over 5 days, 11am – 1.30pm Monday, to Friday. Term time only.  Would consider job share Monday to Wednesday/Wednesday to Friday

  • Location of Role: Lanterns Nursery School 

  • Contact e-mail address: recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk 

Job/Person Summary

Join a vibrant team where every lunchtime is an opportunity to thrive 

Are you a calm, caring, and enthusiastic individual looking for a meaningful part-time role in a nurturing setting that values your unique contribution? 

Lanterns Nursery School is a truly special place. Making a meaningful difference to young children and their families is deeply embedded in our DNA. As one of only three Headteacher-led Maintained Nursery Schools in Hampshire, we offer a nurturing, high-quality environment supported by a wonderful team. We are looking for a dedicated professional to join our friendly, forward-thinking lunchtime team. 

Job Description

Role Profile

Why Lanterns?

  • A Culture of Inclusion: Everyone is welcome here. Our children naturally embrace diversity, and you will play a key role in supporting all children during the lunchtime period, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEND). 

  • A Supportive Team: You will work alongside passionate, determined people who look after one another. We recognise that supporting each other is exactly what enables us to do our best work for our families. 

  • Professional Growth: No prior experience in a school kitchen or nursery is required, full training will be provided to help you succeed and feel confident in your role. 

The Role: Impact, Care, and Connection

As a Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant, you are a vital part of ensuring our children remain happy, healthy, and safe during an important part of their day. Your daily responsibilities will include: 

  • Nurturing Independence: Assisting and supervising children while they eat, promoting positive behaviour and self-help skills. 

  • Playful Initiative: Engaging in joyful, playful experiences with children during the lunchtime period. 

  • Kitchen and Dining Care: Preparing and serving food, setting up and clearing tables and chairs, and washing up to keep our environment clean and welcoming. 

What You’ll Bring

  • A Warm Rapport: The natural ability to build positive relationships with young children and connect with colleagues. 

  • Flexibility and Initiative: A positive, "can-do" attitude with the willingness to step up, use your initiative, and adapt flexibly to the changing needs of the day. 

  • Reliability: A punctual, dependable approach to working within a busy, collaborative team environment. 

What We Can Offer You

  • Hampshire County Council Benefits: Competitive pay conditions, family-friendly policies, and term-time only working. 

  • Employee Support: Access to the Employee Support Hub, including confidential counselling and health advice. 

  • A Joyful Environment: A workplace filled with children who have an infectious enthusiasm for life. 

 

Ready to see what makes us different? Check out our website or come and visit.

Applications are reviewed upon receipt, and we will contact successful candidates for interview ASAP.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications are received. 

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Application Procedure

Please complete and return an application (form found here>Support Staff Application Form) and email it to recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk.

Lanterns Nursery School and Extended Services and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Senior Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Senior Supervisory Assistant

Vacancy Details:

  • School / Location: Lanterns Nursery School, Hampshire

  • Role Title: Senior Supervisory Assistant

  • Contract/Hours: Permanent, Part-time

  • Hours of Work: 15 hours per week (10:30am – 1:30pm, Monday to Friday), Term time only.

  • Salary Type & Details: Support Staff, Grade B, £8,598 Actual Salary 

  • Reports To: Headteacher / School Business Manager

  • Closing date: Wednesday 26th August 2026

  • Interview date: Wednesday 2nd September 2026

  • Contact Email: recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk

  • Contact Telephone: 01962 860393

Lead a vibrant supervisory team where every day is an opportunity to thrive!

Are you an organised, caring, and enthusiastic leader looking for a meaningful part-time role in a nurturing setting that values your unique contribution?

Lanterns Nursery School is a truly special place. Making a meaningful difference to young children and their families is deeply embedded in our DNA. As one of only three Headteacher-led Maintained Nursery Schools in Hampshire, we offer a nurturing, high-quality environment supported by a wonderful team. We are looking for a dedicated Senior Supervisory Assistant to lead and guide our friendly supervisory team across our daily catering and dining routines.

Why Lanterns?

  • A Culture of Inclusion: Everyone is welcome here. Our children naturally embrace diversity, and you will play a key role in supporting all children during mealtimes and snack periods, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEND).

  • Leadership & Team Support: You will lead, deploy, and support passionate, determined supervisory assistants who look after one another to ensure our daily food preparation, snack, lunch, and tea routines run seamlessly.

  • Professional Growth: While prior experience is preferred, full induction, training (covering food hygiene, behaviour management, emergency procedures, first aid awareness, and health & safety), and ongoing guidance will be provided to help you succeed in your leadership role.

The Role: Leadership, Care, and Coordination

As the Senior Supervisory Assistant, you will play a vital leadership role in managing team deployment and ensuring that our children remain happy, healthy and safe throughout the lunchtime sessions. 

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

  • Team Management and Deployment: Organising, managing, and deploying Lunchtime Supervisory Assistants effectively across the school. Training and inducting new team members and ensuring fairness is applied at all times.

  • Catering and Meal Preparation: Overseeing food preparation, serving, and setup across all eating sessions—including lunch, snacks, and tea - as well as table setup, clearing, washing up, and ensuring accurate meal numbers correspond with dining management.

  • Pupil Supervision and Nurturing Independence: Supervising pupils during eating and social periods, promoting positive behaviour and self-help skills, and ensuring any issues or behavioural incidents are resolved or appropriately referred.

  • Communication and Staff Liaison: Maintaining effective liaison with teaching staff, school management, and supervisory assistants to share relevant insights into child behaviour and ensure smooth daily transitions.

  • Safety and Wellbeing: Overseeing food hygiene, health and safety, emergency procedures, and equality practices, ensuring all accidents or safety concerns are promptly reported to the Headteacher and School Business Manager.

Senior Supervisory Assistant Role Profile

What You’ll Bring

  • Experience and Leadership: Prior experience working in a school, nursery, catering, or supervisory role is preferred. Confidence to make clear decisions respected by staff, pupils, and parents.

  • Warm Rapport and Behaviour Awareness: A perceptive insight into child behaviour, awareness of staff and employment issues, and a strong commitment to confidentiality and fairness.

  • Flexibility and Initiative: A positive "can-do" attitude with strong organisational skills, initiative, and the ability to adapt flexibly to changing school and catering needs.

  • Reliability and Teamwork: A punctual, dependable approach to leading a team and communicating effectively across all levels of school staff.

What We Can Offer You

  • Hampshire County Council Benefits: Competitive pay conditions, family-friendly policies, and term-time-only working schedules.

  • Employee Support: Access to the Employee Support Hub, including confidential counselling and health advice.

  • A Joyful Environment: A rewarding leadership role in a workplace filled with children who have an infectious enthusiasm for life.

Application Procedure

Ready to see what makes us different? Applications are reviewed upon receipt, and we will contact successful candidates for interview ASAP. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Please complete and return complete application forms (form here> Support Staff Application Formvia email to recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk.

Safer Recruitment & Safeguarding

Lanterns Nursery School and Extended Services and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks

Support Staff Application Form

Bank Staff

🌟 Join Our Bank Staff Team! Early Years Practitioners Wanted 🌟

We are always looking for dedicated, caring, and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioners to join our bank staff team.

If you’re passionate about supporting young children’s learning and development — and you enjoy flexible, rewarding work — we’d love to hear from you!

What We Offer

  • Flexible hours to suit your availability
  • A warm, supportive team environment
  • Opportunities to gain experience across different age groups
  • A chance to make a real difference every day

What We’re Looking For

  • A positive, nurturing approach to early years education
  • Reliability and a strong work ethic
  • Relevant qualifications or experience in Early Years (preferred)
  • A commitment to safeguarding and high-quality care

📩 Interested?
Get in touch to join our friendly and dedicated bank team!

recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk 

01962 860393