Key Role Information

Salary
FTE: £24,796.00 (actual salary: 21,326.95)
Job type
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
17/04/2026 12:00
Interview
TBC
Contract term
TTO - Term time only
Pay grade
Support Pay Scale - ESSS | SCP7 - SCP7
Department
NURS
Key stage
Early Years
Hours per week
37.00
Weeks per year
44.850
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

Heron Park Primary Academy is looking to recruit a dynamic, and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner on a permanent basis to continue inspiring young minds.

This is an exciting role where you will join our welcoming nursery team, working together to inspire, support and nurture our 2-4 year olds through fun, hands-on learning experiences.

We would love to hear from you if:

  • you have a level 3 early years qualification
  • you bring experience from a similar role and enjoy creating meaningful moments of learning and play
  • you have a genuine passion for working with young children
  • you are enthusiastic, positive and a great team player

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
  • 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

If you are interested in finding out more, we strongly suggest that you arrange a tour of the nursery - please contact Yvonne Streeter, Office Manager on office@heronppa.org.uk or 01323 502525.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive suitable applications. Therefore, we recommend submitting you application as soon as possible.

Please note that we can only accept applications submitted through our recruitment platform, SAMPeople Recruit, so kindly apply there.

Qualifications

A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualificationessential
Current first aid qualification (or willing to work towards)essential

Skills

Abilities, Skills and Knowledge

Ability to use language and other communication skills that pupils can understand and relate toessential
Ability to demonstrate active listening skillsessential
Ability to communicate effectively with parents, carers and other professionals, both verbally, and in writingessential
Ability to create and maintain high-quality and accurate recordsessential
Ability to remain calm and patient under pressure, whilst working to deadlinesessential
Ability to work in an organised and methodical manneressential
Ability to organise fun and stimulating activitiesessential
Ability to work effectively and supportively as a member of the nursery and school teamessential
Ability to consistently and effectively implement agreed behaviour management strategiesessential
Ability to maintain confidentiality on all school mattersessential
Ability to create and maintain an appropriate environment which ensures the safety of all users of the schoolessential

Experience

Previous experience in a similar roleessential
Experience of establishing positive relationships with childrenessential

Experience of working in a team

Experience of working successfully as part of a team

Experience/Knowledge

Working knowledge of legislation relevant to working with young childrenessential
Demonstrable understanding of children's developmentessential
Demonstrable understanding of the Early Year's Foundation Stage essential

Personal Attributes

Display a commitment to, and an ability to contribute to, the protection and safeguarding of children and young peopleessential
A commitment to giving pupils and families the opportunity to reach their full potentialessential
A passion for working with and supporting children and/or young peopleessential
Model behaviour, attitudes, and dress that set the best possible example to pupilsessential
Willingness to participate in further training and development opportunities offered by the school, Aurora Academies Trust and the countyessential
Flexibility in the approach to work and the demands of the post and to be adaptable to the changing circumstances of the schoolessential
A commitment to the school's vision, values, and ethosessential
A commitment to Aurora Academies Trust vision, values, and ethosessential

About Us

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 


Heron Park Primary Academy

Emily Sturt

esturt@auroraacademies.org.uk

Dallington Road
Hampden Park
Eastbourne
BN22 9EE

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. Online searches will also be carried out on shortlisted candidates.


Aurora Academies Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.