A Unique Opportunity to Learn, Grow, and Make a Difference

Location: Lanterns Nursery School, Winchester 

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only 

Hours: Full Time (8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday) 

Salary: Support Staff Grade B (£24,796 FTE) or Grade C (£25,186 FTE) (dependant on qualifications) 

Are you playful, imaginative, and engaging? Are you looking for a role that offers stability, variety, and supports professional development?

Lanterns Nursery School is an Ofsted "Outstanding" Maintained Nursery School with a difference. We are looking for a dedicated Practitioner to join our team.

The Role: A Journey of Development This position offers a rare blend of specialist experience and broad early years practice.

• Initially: You will join our Grasshopper Class, provision for children with social communication differences. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop high-level skills in SEND, supported by a highly experienced team. You don't need to be an expert yet—just passionate and willing to learn.

• The Future: This is a permanent contract. After your first year, the role offers flexibility. You might continue within our specialist provision or move into our inclusive mainstream classes (ages 8 months to 4 years) depending on the needs of our Hub. This ensures you gain a truly rounded experience across different educational environments.

Why Lanterns? Lanterns is a special place; making a difference is in our DNA. We are diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

• Real Training: You will access bespoke induction and ongoing CPD in areas like Makaton, Attention Autism, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Sensory Processing.

• Real Honesty: There’s no getting around it—some days will be harder than others! The pace is fast, and you will need to think on your feet. But you will be working alongside colleagues who are passionate, determined, and supportive. We look after each other so we can look after the children.

About You We are looking for someone who:

• Has a passion for Early Years and an interest in SEND (some experience of working with children in Early Years Foundation Stage is essential, along with a positive attitude and willingness to learn).

• Is creative and adaptable, able to use their own initiative to engage and inspire children.

• Can build strong relationships with families and work effectively within both a small and large team.

• Is resilient, reflective, and eager to grow professionally.

What We Offer

• Stability: A permanent contract with Local Authority pay conditions and pension.

• Balance: Term-time working hours.

• Wellbeing: A supportive environment with access to employee support that includes confidential counselling and health advice.

• Growth: The chance to work in one of only three Maintained Nursery Schools in Hampshire, following the most up-to-date research and practice.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Tuesday 10th February

• Interview Date(s): Friday 13th February

• Start Date: To be agreed

Ready to join the team? If you want to be part of a team that changes lives (including your own), we would love to hear from you.

To Apply: More details about Lanterns Nursery School, the role and all the application information can be found on our website - https://www.lanterns.hants.sch.uk/ 

Any questions, please email recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk

Visits to our school are warmly welcomed.

Due to the high priority of these roles, applications will be reviewed upon receipt and successful candidates will be contacted regarding interview arrangements ASAP prior to closing date.