An exciting new chapter is about to begin, and we are looking for exceptional Early Years Practitioners to help us write it.

Little Habs is our brand new, purpose-built nursery opening in September 2026, set within the beautiful, expansive grounds of Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools. Thoughtfully designed from the ground up, the nursery offers a truly exceptional working environment, featuring three carefully crafted, age-appropriate learning spaces tailored to support every stage of early development.

Surrounded by green space and woodland, Little Habs will provide a nurturing, non-selective and high-quality early years setting for children aged 6 months to 4 years, open from 07:30 to 18:00.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a nursery from its very beginning – influencing its culture, environment and daily practice, while working in a setting designed to enable both children and colleagues to thrive.

Our provision will combine warmth, expertise and ambition, including:

• Outdoor learning and Forest School-inspired experiences
• A STEAM-enriched curriculum fostering curiosity and creativity
• Highly trained staff with a deep understanding of early childhood development
• A strong focus on wellbeing, secure relationships and school-readiness

The nursery will be organised into three beautifully designed spaces:

Hablings (6 months – 2 years)

A calm, cosy, home-from-home environment focused on secure attachments, sensory exploration and early development.

Dashers (2 – 3 years)

A nurturing, curiosity-led space where toddlers develop independence, language and early problem-solving skills.

Nursery (3 – 4 years)

A vibrant pre-school environment supporting school-readiness through storytelling, imaginative play, STEAM learning and rich outdoor experiences.

The Role

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional care and education within this outstanding environment. You will help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive space where every child feels valued, confident and excited to learn.

You will:

• Provide high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS
• Create a warm, nurturing environment that supports children’s wellbeing and development
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities that inspire curiosity and learning
• Support children’s personal, social and emotional development
• Observe, assess and record children’s progress
• Act as a key person, building strong relationships with children and families
• Support daily care routines in a respectful, child-centred way
• Help maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment

As part of a brand new nursery, you will also:

• Play an active role in establishing routines, systems and best practice
• Contribute ideas to shape the environment and provision
• Demonstrate flexibility and initiative in a growing setting
• Work collaboratively as part of a developing team

This role will suit someone who enjoys being hands-on, takes pride in their work, and is excited by the opportunity to help build something exceptional from the ground up.

The Person

We are looking for passionate and committed practitioners who:

• Hold a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Have experience working with children aged 0–5
• Have a strong understanding of the EYFS
• Demonstrate a proactive, flexible approach and use of initiative
• Are strong communicators and team players
• Bring warmth, positivity and a genuine love of working with young children
• Are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Experience in a new or growing nursery, working with under 2s, or holding a Paediatric First Aid qualification would be advantageous.

Above all, we are looking for individuals who will embrace the opportunity to fully contribute to nursery life.

Why Join Little Habs?

• A brand new, purpose-built nursery designed to support outstanding early years practice
• Three beautifully designed, age-specific learning environments
• A stunning campus with extensive outdoor space and woodland
• Free lunch provided on-site
• A culture of high performance, support and professional growth
• The opportunity to shape a new provision from its inception
• Close collaboration with the wider Haberdashers’ community

Start Date: August or September 2026

This is more than a role – it is an opportunity to help establish a flagship early years provision and make a lasting impact at the very start of children’s educational journeys.

If you are passionate about early years, inspired by outdoor and enquiry-led learning, and excited by the opportunity to work in a thoughtfully designed, high-quality environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy sooner, so please apply as soon as possible.

Little Habs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Nursery is therefore permitted to ask applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent”, unless protected under DBS filtering rules) in order to assess suitability to work with children.