Montessori Teacher – Nursery – Wandsworth

We are seeking a passionate, caring and enthusiastic Montessori Teacher to join a welcoming nursery school, creating a nurturing and inspiring environment where young children can explore, discover and flourish.

Embracing the Montessori philosophy, you will encourage independence, curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Through thoughtfully prepared environments, purposeful activities and child-led experiences, you will support each child’s individual interests, abilities and developmental needs.

You will take responsibility for a group of key children, observing and supporting their progress, planning engaging learning opportunities and building positive, trusting relationships with their families.

Working alongside a supportive team, you will combine Montessori principles with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to ensure children receive high-quality care and education in an environment where they feel safe, valued and inspired.

A Montessori Diploma is desirable, although applicants with a recognised Early Years qualification and a genuine interest in Montessori education are also encouraged to apply.

Working Environment

You will join a friendly, collaborative nursery school where teamwork, creativity and professional development are actively encouraged.

The school recognises that happy, supported educators are central to providing exceptional care and education. Staff benefit from a structured working pattern, generous annual leave and a positive working environment that values individual contributions and promotes wellbeing.

A smart, professional dress code applies to all staff.

Working Pattern

The nursery is open 47 weeks of the year, offering an excellent work-life balance with 7 weeks’ annual leave, arranged as follows:

• 2 weeks at Christmas
• 1 week at Easter
• 2 weeks in August
• 2 additional weeks chosen by the teacher during the nursery’s holiday school periods

This generous holiday allowance, combined with a predictable working schedule, gives teachers the opportunity to rest, recharge, and maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

Teachers work a fixed weekly rota, typically consisting of:

• Three days: 8:00am – 4:30pm
• Two days: 8:30am – 6:30pm

This regular schedule provides consistency and allows for effective planning of both work and personal commitments.

If you are passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young children, we would love to hear from you.

Montessori Education and Child Development

• Create and maintain a safe, welcoming and stimulating Montessori learning environment.
• Prepare and organise age-appropriate Montessori materials and activities that encourage independence, exploration and self-directed learning.
• Observe children's interests, abilities and developmental progress, adapting learning experiences to meet individual needs.
• Support children's physical, emotional, social, intellectual and cognitive development through purposeful activities and play.
• Encourage practical life skills, concentration, confidence, independence and respect for others.
• Plan and deliver engaging learning experiences in accordance with Montessori principles and the EYFS framework.
• Maintain accurate observations, developmental assessments and learning records for key children.
• Plan and participate in educational outings and enriching experiences that extend children's learning.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve their potential.

• Maintain a safe, caring and hygienic environment for babies and young children.
• Supervise meals and mealtimes, including supporting the preparation of bottles and food where appropriate.
• Ensure children's dietary requirements, allergies and individual care needs are consistently met.
• Conduct daily safety checks of the learning environment, resources and equipment.
• Follow safeguarding and child protection procedures, promptly reporting concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection prevention.
• Comply with all nursery policies, procedures and relevant EYFS welfare requirements.

• Build positive, professional relationships with parents and carers, providing regular updates on their children's learning and development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a consistent and supportive learning environment.
• Support the Room Leader in the effective day-to-day running of the nursery room.
• Participate in team meetings, training and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute ideas and initiatives that enhance the children's experiences and the wider nursery environment.
• Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, as directed by the Room Leader or Nursery Manager.

• Minimum of 1 year's experience working in a nursery or Early Years environment.
• A genuine interest in Montessori education and child-centred learning.
• Understanding of the EYFS framework and the developmental needs of young children.
• Ability to plan and deliver stimulating activities that support children's social, physical, emotional and intellectual development.
• Strong observation, assessment and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to support children with differing abilities, interests and additional needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• A patient, compassionate and respectful approach to working with young children.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to remain calm, adaptable and effective in a busy nursery environment.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.

• Montessori Diploma (desirable)
• NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent (essential)
• GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.

• Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Current Safeguarding certification.
• Current COSHH certification.
• Current Food and Hygiene certification.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
• Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.