Early Years Level 3 Practitioner OR Deputy Manager

Job title: Pre-school Deputy OR Level 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. The role of Deputy is available for an experienced candidate.

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 Anne Clark:

Email: chair@escrickpreschool.co.uk 

As the Pre-school is closed for the summer a telephone call with the Manager or a visit to the premises can be arranged at a convenient time if requested.

Closing Date: 18th August 2025

Interviews: From 25th August 2025

Start date: 1st September or as soon as possible.

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

We would also consider a possible job share.

 LEVEL 3  PRACTITIONER

Hours - 23 hours a week 9am – 3:15pm 4 days per week – 39 working weeks 5.6 holiday weeks.

Salary: £12.21 per hour = £1,044 per month = £12,525 per annum

DEPUTY MANAGER

Hours- 26 hours a week 8.15am - 3.15pm 4 days a week - 39 working weeks 5.6 holiday weeks.

Salary: £13.61 per hour = £1,315 per month = £15,782 per annum

Early Years Practitioner

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 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 with Deputy Manager Role

In addition to the Practitioner role, the Deputy Manager will also:

Leadership & Curriculum:

• Support the Manager in leading the team and planning a high-quality EYFS curriculum.
• Monitor the effectiveness of teaching and learning and help maintain a stimulating learning environment.
• Inspire and mentor staff, promoting a culture of continuous development and reflective practice.

Staff Supervision:

• Assist with the deployment, supervision, and development of staff, including performance reviews, appraisals, and identifying training needs.
• Organise and oversee the key person system and ensure planning is informed by children’s interests and progress.

Operational Oversight:

• Support the Manager in maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
• Contribute to health and safety procedures, risk assessments, hygiene standards, and behaviour and safeguarding policies.
• Manage the cleanliness of the setting, including fair allocation of cleaning responsibilities.

Parental & External Engagement:

• Build strong partnerships with parents/carers and liaise with professionals such as schools, social services, and local authorities.
• Assist with the registration of new families and resource management.
• Support financial oversight and contribute to Pre-school development plans.
• Represent the Pre-school at training events, meetings, and inspections, staying updated on best practices.

Other Duties:

• Carry out additional responsibilities as directed by the Manager.
• Take an active role with the management committee and in implementing improvement plans and inspection recommendations.
• Maintain own professional development.

Early Years Practitioner – Person Specification

Essential:

• Minimum Level 3 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 inclusive practice and supporting diverse families
• Willing to learn and adapt to new approaches
• Physically and mentally fit to care for young children
• Enhanced DBS Clearance

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

Deputy Manager – Person Specification

Essential:

• Minimum Level 3 qualification
• At least 2 years’ experience in an early years setting
• In-depth knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, SEN Code of Practice, and equality legislation
• Confident in planning and delivering the curriculum and team leadership
• Ability to lead in the Manager’s absence
• Effective communication and report writing skills
• Committed to inclusive practice and supporting diverse families
• Enhanced DBS clearance
• Positive, proactive, and flexible approach

Desirable:

• Leadership experience in a childcare setting
• Experience in a parent-managed or charity-run Pre-school
• Experience supporting children with SEN
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Up-to-date safeguarding training
• Basic IT skills

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.