Early Years Practitioner
Are you an experienced Early Years Practitioner with a passion for nature and outdoor learning? We’re a small, vibrant team offering children unforgettable experiences—from farm adventures and garden projects to animal encounters, picnics at Overbury Court, and plenty of muddy welly walks! If you thrive outside the classroom and want to inspire children through nature, we’d love to hear from you! We’re looking for a passionate Early Years Practitioner to join our beautiful rural nursery, working between 30–40 hours per week (hours can be flexible for the right candidate)
Requirements:
- Early Years qualification (Level 2/3 or equivalent)
- Two satisfactory relevant references
- Satisfactory disclosure check and sign-up to the update service
Person Specification
- Enjoys the outdoors
- Positive can-do attitude
- Passionate about child care and keen to step up to managing and guiding a team
- A full and relevant Level 2 or above qualification in childcare
- A good understanding of the EYFS and a variety of approaches to learning and development
- A thorough knowledge of safeguarding procedures
- Submit to an enhanced DBS check
- Be prepared to undertake further training including ongoing safeguarding and paediatric first aid.
Duties and responsibilities
- Assist in delivering high-quality education and care based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
- Help plan, implement, and evaluate a range of age-appropriate activities and experiences that engage children and support their learning and development.
- Foster a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment that supports each child’s growth in all areas—emotional, social, physical, and cognitive.
What we can offer you
- Flexible working patterns available to promote a healthy work–life balance
- Early finish every Friday (5pm)
- Competitive rates of pay
- A stunning rural working environment
- Exclusive access to everything Overbury has to offer, including Overbury Court & Gardens, Overbury Farm, Overbury Woodlands, and our Christmas tree plantation
- A small, friendly, and welcoming team
- Ongoing CPD and professional development opportunities
To Apply:
Email manager@overburygrasshoppers.co.uk for an application form.
Deputy Manager
Are you passionate about early years education and ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Overbury Grasshoppers Nursery is seeking a dedicated Deputy Manager who shares our ethos of nurturing children in a warm, inclusive, and nature-connected environment.
If you are interested in…
- outdoor exploration expanding knowledge about the countryside
- regular woodland walks learning about nature
- growing vegetables in the kitchen gardens
- tractor- trailer rides to the farm to see arable farming in practice, exploring the Christmas tree plantation and surrounding areas
- visiting the library van and interacting with the local community?
... then we would love to hear from you!
These enriching experiences are part of our everyday learning at Overbury Grasshoppers.
Your Role
As Deputy Manager, you will support the Nursery Manager in all aspects of nursery operations, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, and compliance. You’ll be a role model for staff, a trusted partner for parents, and a champion for children’s wellbeing and development.
Salary: £15.50 per hour
Hours Per Week: 40 (can be flexible for the right candidate)
What You’ll Bring
- A full and relevant Level 3 qualification (or above) in childcare
- DBS Enhanced check (willing to undergo DBS enhanced check)
- Proven experience working with children aged 0–5
- Strong communication skills and some experience of leadership
- A deep understanding of child development and safeguarding
- A proactive, positive attitude aligned with our ethos
- Commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive practice
- Full UK driving license (due to rural location)
What You’ll Do
- Support the Manager in day-to-day operations and staff supervision
- Be assigned key children and work within the team
- Ensure compliance with EYFS and statutory regulations
- Promote a nurturing and stimulating environment for children
- Build strong relationships with parents and external agencies
- Lead by example in professionalism, appearance, and behaviour
- Support the team with effective planning and resource management
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a small, passionate and supportive team
- Work in a beautiful rural setting with access to nature
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Make a meaningful impact in children’s early years
To Apply:
Email manager@overburygrasshoppers.co.uk for an application form.
Apprentice
We are currently looking for an apprentice to work in our nursery. Ideally you will enjoy taking walks in the countryside, learning new things and have an enthusiasm for nature and the world around us. You will receive support and training throughout the apprenticeship by qualified and experienced practitioners. We offer free parking and a 30minute paid lunch break (if taken on site). Pay will be according to age for the apprenticeship.
If you are interested in joining our team please email manager@overburygrasshoppers.co.uk and we can arrange for you to come in for a friendly chat and look around.
All positions within our nursery are subject to safer recruitment checks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. This includes enhanced DBS and reference checks in line with statutory guidance. Please read our attached Safer Recruitment Policy for full details.