Early Years Education / Childcare Practitioner

Join Our Team at Marden Pre-school

Early Years Practitioner – Maternity Cover with the Possibility of a Permanent Position

Would you love to help young children feel safe, cherished and excited to discover the world around them? Marden Pre-school is looking for a warm, enthusiastic and dependable Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly team as maternity cover. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting difference, with the possibility of a permanent position for the right person.

The Opportunity

At Marden Pre-school, every child matters and every day brings a new opportunity to inspire curiosity, confidence and joy. We offer a warm, inclusive and nurturing environment where children can explore, learn through play and feel proud of who they are—giving them the very best possible start in life. You will be welcomed into a supportive team that values kindness, creativity, professional growth and meaningful partnerships with families.

Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover, with the possibility of a permanent position
Location: Marden Pre-school, Herefordshire
Hours: To be confirmed
Start date: To be confirmed
Salary: Dependent on qualifications and experience

What You Will Do

• Offer every child warm, responsive and high-quality care, helping them feel secure, valued and ready to flourish.
• Create joyful, engaging and play-based learning opportunities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Notice and celebrate each child’s unique progress, using thoughtful observations to support their next steps.
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with children, families and colleagues so everyone feels welcomed and included.
• Champion every child’s individual needs, strengths and interests while nurturing equality, inclusion and belonging.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming and well-organised environment.
• Follow all setting policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and safer working practice.

Who We Are Looking For

• A kind, patient and enthusiastic practitioner who genuinely delights in helping children thrive.
• A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 early years qualification, or a commitment to working towards an appropriate qualification.
• A sound understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the confidence to report concerns promptly.
• Strong communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
• A dependable, reflective and positive approach, with a willingness to learn, share ideas and grow with us.
• Paediatric first aid and recent safeguarding training are desirable; required training can be discussed with the successful applicant.

Why Join Us?

• A warm, welcoming and collaborative team where you will be supported, listened to and encouraged to share your ideas.
• The rewarding opportunity to shape children’s earliest experiences and make a difference that can last a lifetime.
• A thoughtful induction, ongoing encouragement and opportunities to develop your skills and confidence.
• A caring and positive workplace with children, families and staff wellbeing at its heart.
• The exciting possibility of continuing your journey with us in a permanent position after the maternity-cover period, subject to the setting’s needs and a successful review.

How to Apply

If our values speak to you and you would love to help children grow, learn and shine, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send a completed application form and supporting statement telling us why you would be a wonderful addition to Marden Pre-school.
Closing date: 1/10/2026
Interview date: tbc
Contact: mardenpreschool15@outlook.com or via our Ey recruit

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Marden Pre-school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff share this responsibility. The successful applicant will be required to complete the setting’s safer-recruitment process, including:

• A completed application form with a full employment history and explanations for any gaps.
• A safeguarding-focused interview and verification of identity, qualifications and right to work in the UK.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including the appropriate barred-list check for regulated activity.
• Satisfactory references, including one from the most recent relevant employer, obtained and checked before appointment.
• Any other suitability checks required for the role, together with completion of safeguarding induction and mandatory training.
• Ongoing compliance with the setting’s code of conduct, whistleblowing arrangements and procedures for reporting low-level concerns or allegations.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and safeguarding checks.

Bring your warmth, imagination and passion to Marden Pre-school—and help give every child a happy, confident beginning filled with possibilities.

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lunches twice a week 

Training 

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