Term Time Only
9:00am – 3:30pm, Monday to Friday (with occasional earlier starts to prepare the learning environment). Paid for 39 weeks per year, including 38 weeks of term time and 5 additional days for training, INSET and community events.

Purpose of the Role

To provide high-quality care and education for children aged 2–5 years in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The successful candidate will support children's learning and development through play, helping to create a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment where every child can flourish.

As a charity-run, community-focused preschool, we are looking for someone who shares our values of kindness, inclusion, collaboration and putting children at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare and Learning

• Provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment where children feel happy, secure and valued.
• Plan, prepare and deliver engaging learning experiences that reflect children's interests and individual stages of development.
• Support children's emotional wellbeing, independence, confidence and self-esteem.
• Encourage learning through play, both indoors and outdoors.
• Promote positive behaviour using consistent, nurturing approaches.

Assessment and Key Person Responsibilities

• Act as a Key Person for a group of children.
• Build strong relationships with children and their families.
• Observe, assess and record children's progress in line with the EYFS.
• Use observations to inform future planning and next steps in learning.
• Complete children's learning journals and other required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Share children's progress with parents and carers.

Inclusive Practice and SEND

• Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through inclusive practice.
• Adapt activities and learning opportunities to meet individual needs.
• Work closely with the Preschool SENCO and external professionals where appropriate.
• Help implement individual support plans and contribute to reviews.
• Promote an environment where every child is respected, included and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Safeguarding and Welfare

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.
• Follow all safeguarding, child protection and whistleblowing procedures.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and hygiene.
• Carry out daily risk assessments where required.
• Administer first aid in accordance with preschool procedures (following appropriate training).

Partnership with Families

• Develop positive and professional relationships with parents and carers.
• Communicate effectively about children's learning and wellbeing.
• Encourage families to become involved in preschool life and community events.

Team Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively as part of a friendly and supportive team.
• Contribute ideas to enhance the learning environment and preschool practice.
• Attend staff meetings, training, INSET days and community events.
• Support the preparation and organisation of the learning environment, including occasional earlier starts when required.
• Act as a positive role model for colleagues, children and families.

Professional Development

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Keep knowledge and skills up to date through ongoing professional development.
• Work in accordance with EYFS requirements, Ofsted expectations and preschool policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Preschool Manager.

Person Specification

Essential

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Experience working within an early years setting.
• Good understanding of the EYFS.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A caring, patient and nurturing approach.
• Commitment to providing inclusive practice for all children.
• Willingness to support children with SEND and adapt practice to meet individual needs.
• Reliable, organised and flexible.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable

• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• SEND-related training.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience as a Key Person.
• Knowledge of Birth to Five Matters.
• Experience working in a community or charity setting.

About Us

We are a charity-run, term-time preschool at the heart of our local community. Thanks to recent funding, we have created a beautiful, inspiring environment where children can play, explore and thrive.

We are proud to be a family-orientated workplace where staff wellbeing is valued as highly as the experiences we provide for children. We believe in supporting one another, working closely with families and creating an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a welcoming, dedicated team and make a genuine difference in the lives of young children and their families.