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Early Years Practitioner 

Early Years Practitioner (EYP) | Lanterns Nursery School, Winchester

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: Wednesday 18th March 2026

  • Interview Date(s): Monday 23rd March 2026

  • Job Start Date: To be agreed

  • Contract/Hours: Permanent 

  • Salary Type: Support Staff 

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

  • Hours of Work: Full time 8am to 4pm or 8.15 to 4.15pm Monday to Friday, term time

  • Location of Role: Lanterns Nursery School, Winchester

  • Contact e-mail address: adminoffice@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.

 

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.

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.

Support Staff Application

Support Staff Application Form

EYP Role Profile

Role Profile

EYP Person Specification

EYP Person Spec

Local List of duties Eary Years Practitioner

Local List of duties EYP

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 declaration form

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 declaration 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

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