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.
Why Work With Taplins
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
At Taplins, you’ll work in modern, purpose‑built nursery environments caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our settings are well‑resourced, calm, and professionally run, designed to support high‑quality early years practice while maintaining realistic, manageable workloads.
Our nurseries provide bright, welcoming spaces that enable children to thrive, including:
Taplins is designed for practitioners seeking a long‑term 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 work–life balance.
Taplins offers a calmer, more sustainable alternative to private nursery settings, without losing the warmth, teamwork and child‑centred 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
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.
Benefits
Since working for our Taplins nurseries mean you join the NHS, you’ll have access to a wide range of benefits that support your day‑to‑day life, wellbeing, and finances:
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 pre‑employment 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 criteria
Desirable criteria
Alignment with Trust Values
Essential criteria
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