A place where children thrive. A career where you can too.

There aren't many careers where the moments you create today can shape a child's future.

You could be there for a child's first friendship, their growing confidence, or the discovery that sparks a lifelong love of learning. You might help a child solve a problem, ask their hundredth question, or achieve something they've spent weeks trying to master.

That's the impact of Early Years education.

At our YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery, we're looking for warm, patient, curious and caring people who want to help children learn, grow and thrive through play-based learning.

Whether you're an experienced Early Years Practitioner, hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification, are working towards one, or are considering a career change, we'd love to hear from you.

Because while qualifications matter, the person behind them matters even more.

A working week with more room for life

Our casual hours Early Years Practitioners offers you flexibility throughout your working week.

More time for family, friends, hobbies and life outside work.

Welcome to YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery

Fairthorne Nursery is a place where children have space to move, to explore, and to grow at their own pace.

Set within a 90 acre natural site, our nursery is surrounded by woodland, fields, rivers, streams, and open space. Being outdoors is not an occasional activity here, it is part of everyday learning, in every season. Children are encouraged to explore freely, follow their curiosity, and learn through real experiences in nature.

When families walk into Fairthorne, they often notice how fun, open, and expansive it feels. There is room for adventure and room for calm, with a rhythm to the day that allows children to settle into their own way of being.

We want children to feel secure enough to explore, confident enough to try and supported enough to develop at their own pace.

A place to play, learn, make friends and feel that they belong.

Children learn best when they're actively engaged, curious and having fun. Learning might look like:

• exploring nature outdoors
• building, creating and problem-solving
• investigating how things work
• storytelling, role play and imaginative play
• developing independence, resilience and social skills

Sometimes the best learning starts with a carefully planned activity. Sometimes it starts with a cardboard box. Both can be equally valuable.

As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll:

• build warm and secure relationships with children
• help every child feel that they belong
• support children’s confidence, independence and emotional development
• create engaging opportunities to learn through play
• follow children’s interests and turn everyday experiences into opportunities for discovery
• support communication, language and social development
• encourage creativity, curiosity and problem-solving
• provide exciting indoor and outdoor experiences
• observe children’s development and use what you learn to support what comes next
• build positive relationships with parents and carers
• support children with different needs, experiences and starting points
• work closely with colleagues and share ideas and good practice
• maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive nursery environment
• keep children safe through excellent safeguarding and Early Years practice.

While you'll work within the EYFS framework and complete observations and records, your focus will always be the children.