Responsible to
Preschool Manager
Hours
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 ResponsibilitiesChildcare 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.
- Hold a recognised Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare (e.g., CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce)
- Proven experience working with children within a nursery or early years setting
- Demonstrable management and leadership skills in supervising staff or coordinating activities
- Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, to effectively liaise with colleagues, parents, and external agencies
- Experience working within an early childhood education environment that adheres to EYFS standards
- Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in childcare
This role is ideal for a passionate childcare professional eager to make a positive impact on young children's lives while developing their management capabilities within a supportive team environment.
Pay: £16.00-£16.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
