About this role
Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is delighted to offer fantastic opportunities to work within our Taplins Nurseries.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
This vacancy does not meet the Home Office threshold for sponsorship; therefore we are unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.
To be considered for this role, you must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent.
Main duties of the job
Taplins Nurseries, part of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, are recruiting experienced & newly qualified Nursery Practitioners who hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
Taplins provide high-quality childcare for NHS families and offers an environment where practitioners feel supported, valued and respected. The security and benefits of NHS employment, together with a strong team culture, allow staff to focus on rewarding early years practice without the pressures often experienced in the private sector. Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 07:00-18:30 (closed on bank holidays) Work patterns: Full-time and part-time roles available with flexible working open for discussion Salary: £25,760-£27,476 per annum (£13.17-£14.05 per hour equivalent) with incremental pay progression Location: TaplinsSouthampton General (SO16 6YD) and Trust Taplins Western Community Hospital (SO16 4XE) Why Work With Taplins Work-life balance - Flexible opportunities, including a 4-day working week for full-time roles (37.5 hours) Generous leave - 35 days paid annual leave rising with service, alongside enhanced maternity and paternity pay, compassionate leave and support during unforeseen circumstances. Discounts and wellbeing - Access to Blue Light Card and other local and nationwidestaff discounts Flexible earning opportunities - Option to take on additional hours through our staff bank NHS Professionals (NHSP),if desired.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Job description Job responsibilities About Our Nurseries
At Taplins, youll work in modern, purposebuilt nursery environments caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our settings are wellresourced, calm, and professionally run, designed to support highquality early years practice while maintaining realistic, manageable workloads.
Our nurseries provide bright, welcoming spaces that enable children to thrive, including:
Spacious outdoor play areas Craft and messyplay rooms Sensory spaces and cosy sleep areas Highquality learning resources and equipment The Role Taplins is designed for practitioners seeking a longterm career in early years. With realistic workloads, predictable patterns, strong governance and NHS stability, we offer a role where staff can continue to do what they love without sacrificing wellbeing or worklife balance. Taplins offers a calmer, more sustainable alternative to private nursery settings, without losing the warmth, teamwork and childcentred focus that make early years work rewarding. Our supportive and experienced leadership team includes managers who understand early years practice and prioritise staff wellbeing, support and development. Early years practitioners at Taplins are recognised as skilled professionals and an essential part of the NHS community. Your responsibilities will include:
Creating a safe, secure and engaging environment for children Planning and delivering EYFSbased activities that support learning and development Acting as a key person, building strong relationships with children and families Maintaining developmental records and online learning journals (Tapestry) Supporting children with additional needs in partnership with the SENDCo Upholding high standards of hygiene, health and safety Supporting mealtimes and daily routines Working collaboratively within a positive and supportive nursery team To be considered for this role, you must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent. We welcome both experienced and newly qualified Level 3 practitioners and offer dedicated mentorship and training.
This vacancy does not meet the Home Office threshold for sponsorship; therefore we are unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.
Other Staff Benefits Since working for our Taplins nurseries mean you join the NHS, youll have access to a wide range of benefits that support your daytoday life, wellbeing, and finances: Travel discounts including 10% off BlueStar and UniLink bus passes Vivup salary sacrifice schemes savings on home and electronics, cycle to work, bike shop purchases, gym membership, travel and leisure Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) confidential support for wellbeing and counselling, financial concerns and debt advice Car benefit scheme (Tusker) access to a brandnew, fully maintained car via salary sacrifice Local and nationwide NHS discounts including free membership at The Company Shop (Southampton), 10% off at Asda, access to Blue Light Card and familyfriendly offers such as kidseat free promotions and discounted activities Referafriend scheme earn up to £1,000 for successful referrals (where applicable) NHS Agenda for Change protections clear pay structures, annual incremental progression and fair, transparent employment processes Longterm job security working within a large NHS Trust with access to redeployment and internal career opportunities. Safeguarding Taplins Nurseries and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
Appointments are subject to appropriate preemployment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, verification of qualifications, and satisfactory references. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the job description and person specification.
Next Steps If you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your application and current opportunities. We look forward to receiving your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training and Experience Essential
Good standard of secondary education with literacy and numeracy skills demonstrable to GCSE pass level or equivalent standard Willingness and ability to undertake Food Safety training Recent previous experiences of working with 3 months - 5-year-olds within a childcare setting To hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years Qualification (in accordance with https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-qualifications-finder ) or above. If level 3 qualified post June 2016, to also hold a full paediatric first aid (PFA) or an emergency PFA certificate
Desirable
Current paediatric and/or first aid at work certificate if qualified pre- June 2016, or if candidate holds a qualification higher than level 3 Current food hygiene certificate
Alignment with Trust Values Essential
Patients First Working Together Always Improving
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Address Taplins Nursery
Tremona Road
Southampton
SO16 6YD
Employer's website https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)