Early Years Prectitioner

Escrick Preschool, Escrick Village Hall, Main Street, Escrick, York YO19 6LQ

Escrick Pre-school Early Years Practitioner – 5 days per week or possible job share

Job title: Early Years Level 2 or 3 Practitioner 

Responsible to: Preschool Manager and Chair of management committee

Responsible for: All Pre-school children, staff and setting.

Escrick Pre-school is a small term time only, charity run (not for profit) setting located in the quiet village of Escrick situated within the Village Hall with our very own dedicated Pre-school room and enclosed outdoor area. We are a small nurturing team of just four Early Years Practitioners and a fantastic committee of parents who feel very proud of the special little Pre-school we run.

We care for children between the ages of two to four years of age and we like to have a high staff ratio to ensure we can provide high quality care to our young children.

Due to a change of staff circumstances, we are now looking for an experienced, ambitious and passionate Early Year’s Practitioner to join our small and incredibly friendly team. 

At Escrick Pre-school, we endeavour to create a happy and comfortable working environment for our staff whereby all feel valued and respected. Having fun and creating lots of valuable memories for all of our staff, children and families is at the heart of everything we do!

Every day is different, some days are calm, some days are busy - but our gentle touch and great sense of humour always sees us through and makes Escrick Pre-school the special place it is today.

Escrick Pre-school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Clearance from Disclosure and Barring Service is required upon the appointment of this role. We undertake all relevant checks, as per Working Together to Safeguard Children.

To request an application form, please contact the Chair at Email:chair@escrickpreschool.co.uk 

A telephone call with the Manager or a visit to the premises can be arranged at a convenient time if requested. 

Closing Date: 16th March 2026

Interviews: From 23rd March 2026

Start date: As soon as possible or by 13th April 2026

Hours and Days worked over the week can be flexible and negotiable.

We would also consider a possible job share.

 Hours & Pay

Hours - 28.75 hours a week 9am – 3:15pm 5 days per week – 39 working weeks plus 5.6 paid holiday weeks.

Salary: £12.71 per hour = £1,358.22 per month = £16,297 per annum

Early Years Practitioner Role

Purpose:

To provide high-quality care and education for preschool children as part of the staff team, supporting their learning, development, and wellbeing under the direction of the Manager and Deputy Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver activities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Act as a key person for a group of children, liaising with parents/carers and updating Tapestry journals.
• Support children’s physical needs, including toileting and nappy changing.
• Complete 2-year progress checks and contribute to end-of-year reports.
• Set up and tidy the learning environment daily.
• Supervise children during activities, snacks, and meals.
• Support children’s emotional wellbeing, communication, and social development.
• Administer basic first aid and maintain current paediatric first aid certification.
• Flag safeguarding or safety concerns to the Manager, maintaining confidentiality.
• Attend team meetings and training as required.
• Work in partnership with staff, the management committee, and other professionals.
• Perform other reasonable duties in line with Pre-school policies.

Early Years Practitioner – Person Specification

Essential:

• Minimum Level 2 qualification (e.g. NVQ or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of child development and individual needs
• Committed to supporting children and families
• Friendly, nurturing, and engaging approach
• Committed to equal opportunities and inclusive practice
• Willing to learn and adapt to new approaches
• Physically and mentally fit to care for young children

Desirable:

• Experience in a charity-run Pre-school
• Familiarity with online learning platforms (e.g. Tapestry)
• Basic IT skills
• Paediatric First Aid trained (or willingness to train)
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Up-to-date safeguarding training

A DBS check is required for these roles. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.