Nursery Practitioner
Ref: SCH-AAT-0199 17 day(s) remainingAdditional Information
Contract Type: Fixed Term (31/08/2026) Contract Term: TTO - Term time only Hours per Week: 37.00 Weeks per Year: 39.000 Pay Grade: Support Pay Scale - ESSS | SCP4 - SCP4The Role
Are you passionate about early years and looking to inspire and motivate children?
Heron Park Primary Academy is looking to recruit a dynamic and enthusiastic nursery practitioner on a fixed term basis.
Heron Park Primary Academy is a vibrant and dynamic two-form entry primary school with a nursery, serving children aged 2–11 in the heart of the Eastbourne community. We are proud to be rated a ‘Good’ provider by Ofsted, and we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional educational experiences for every child in our care.
At Heron Park, we believe that children flourish in a happy, supportive, safe, and purposeful learning environment. Our warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere ensures that all members of our community feel a strong sense of belonging—truly part of the Heron Park family.
Our inspirational curriculum is thoughtfully designed to both challenge and excite our pupils, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Every aspect of school life is underpinned by our five core values:
- Respect
- Curiosity
- Independence
- Resilience
- Aspiration
These values guide our pupils as they grow into confident, capable individuals who demonstrate Quality, Excellence, and Passion in everything they do.
Our vision is clear: to empower every child to reach their full potential. Through a rich and engaging educational journey, we aim to equip our pupils with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need for a successful and fulfilling future.
As a nursery practitioner at Heron Park, you will be working effectively as an integral part of the team, to provide a safe, stimulating, and caring environment for pre-school children (ages 2 - 4).
We would love to hear from you if:
- have a full and relevant level 2 or 3 in early years
- you have a genuine passion for early years
- you are enthusiastic and committed to working as part of a team
- you have previous experience in a similar role
- you are committed to promoting the philosophy of 'learning through play'
In return for your passion and commitment, we offer:
- A supportive team who place our values of respect, curiosity, independence, resilience, and aspiration at the centre of all that we do with a commitment to raising pupil achievement and aspirations
- Extensive professional development opportunities, including Aurora Trust-wide CPD
- Opportunity to complete your level 3 early years qualification
- A spacious well-equipped and well-resourced learning environment
- A skilled and committed SLT who are devoted to improving outcomes for all children and staff
- The opportunity to be part of a multi-academy trust that has collaboration at its heart and will support you every step of the way
- Enhanced paternity leave, in excess of the Green and Burgundy Books
- Aurora Academies Advantage scheme - this includes access to free and confidential advice on a range of topics via the Employee Assistance Programme, online GP service, cycle to work scheme, discounts to high-street shops and health and well-being support.
The salary shown reflects an interim 2025/2026 pay award, pending completion of the negotiations between the National Employers and the Trade Unions. The difference between this and what is agreed as the final pay award will be paid as a lump sum back pay, when announced by the government and the Trade Unions.
If you are interested in finding out more, we strongly suggest that you arrange a tour of the school - please contact Yvonne Streeter on ystreeter@heronppa.org.uk or 01323 502525.
Qualifications
| Qualification Title | Grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years qualification |
Essential
|
|
| Paediatric First Aid Certificate | Or a willingness to complete |
Essential
|
Skills
| Experience | |
|---|---|
| Previous experience in a similar role |
Essential
|
| Experience of establishing positive relationships with children |
Essential
|
| Experience of working in a team | |
| Experience of working successfully as part of a team |
Essential
|
| Abilities, Skills and Knowledge | |
| Ability to use language and other communication skills that pupils can understand and relate to |
Essential
|
| Ability to communicate effectively with parents, carers and other professionals, both verbally, and in writing |
Essential
|
| Ability to organise fun and stimulating activities |
Essential
|
| Ability to consistently and effectively implement agreed behaviour management strategies |
Essential
|
| Experience/Knowledge | |
| Working knowledge of legislation relevant to working with young children |
Essential
|
| Demonstrable understanding of children's development |
Essential
|
| Demonstrable understanding of the Early Year's Foundation Stage |
Essential
|
Related Documents
Safeguarding Information
Aurora Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.
Aurora Academies Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Heron Park Primary Academy
Dallington Road
Hampden Park
Eastbourne
BN22 9EE
Emily Sturt
esturt@auroraacademies.or...Heron Park Primary Academy is a vibrant and dynamic two-form entry primary school with a nursery, serving children aged 2–11 in the heart of the Eastbourne community. We are proud to be rated a ‘Good’ provider by Ofsted, and we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional educational experiences for every child in our care.
At Heron Park, we believe that children flourish in a happy, supportive, safe, and purposeful learning environment. Our warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere ensures that all members of our community feel a strong sense of belonging—truly part of the Heron Park family.
Our inspirational curriculum is thoughtfully designed to both challenge and excite our pupils, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Every aspect of school life is underpinned by our five core values:
- Respect
- Curiosity
- Independence
- Resilience
- Aspiration
These values guide our pupils as they grow into confident, capable individuals who demonstrate Quality, Excellence, and Passion in everything they do.
Our vision is clear: to empower every child to reach their full potential. Through a rich and engaging educational journey, we aim to equip our pupils with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need for a successful and fulfilling future.
‘It’s really fun to do work at our school. I really like the challenges and our school trips! Our values make our school a safe place to learn. We follow them and have been taught about integrity which we show every day.
Having worked at Heron Park for just over a year now, the thing that has really stood out for me is the incredibly strong ethic of teamwork that is evident throughout all aspects school life. All members of the school community work hard to support each other to achieve the best for the pupils in our care both in terms of fostering academic progress, but also in supporting them socially and emotionally. I have also found the clear pedagogical approaches and engaging curriculum to be a real strength of the school, and this is supported by an exciting range of trips, experiences and events across the year. CPD, both within our own school but also as part of the wider Aurora Academy Trust, is always responsive to the emerging needs of our pupils and staff, and as a result, I really feel that I have developed as a teacher over the course of the year that I have worked at Heron Park. All staff at Heron Park are dedicated, friendly and passionate about their roles, whatever they may be, and that has made being part of the team here a real pleasure.’
Lee, Y5 teacher
‘Working at Heron Park Primary Academy is honestly such a joy. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and part of a team that genuinely cares—not just about the children, but about each other too. There’s a real sense of community here, and that makes a huge difference day to day.
One of the things I love most is how our school values are lived out in everything we do. Our children are encouraged to be respectful, curious, independent, resilient, and aspirational, and it’s amazing to see them grow into those qualities. It makes teaching here feel really meaningful.
We also have a broad and balanced curriculum that’s built around helping every child reach their full potential. The focus on Quality, Excellence, and Passion isn’t just for the pupils—it’s something we all strive for as staff too.
Plus, being part of Aurora Academies Trust means there are great opportunities to develop and progress in your career. There’s always support, encouragement, and the chance to take on new challenges across the trust.’
Nicholas, Y6 Teacher