We are looking for a Level 2 Eary Years Practitioner for our Nursery provision.
The working hours are 32.5 hours per week, working Monday to Friday, from 8.15am to between 3.45pm, and 38 weeks per year, term time only plus 1 September training day.
The successful candidate will ideally have experience of working with children, however, fully training will be given. They will be able to work effectively as a member of the team, have excellent interpersonal skills and consistently support the school values and approaches to a high standard.
About us
Located on the Eastern district of Northampton, Blackthorn is a one-form entry primary school with a nursery. In addition, Blackthorn Primary is very proud to run a Specialist Unit for children with an EHCP identifying a need for support with SEMH. Our school is driven by a passion to provide educational excellence for the children in our community.
We have been award 'Good' from Ofsted inspection in September 2022.
The children at Blackthorn are polite, respectful and keen to learn. Our team of dedicated staff believe that children achieve their best in a safe, secure and happy school community and we work hard to make sure this is the case for our learners every day. We strongly believe that good relationships between people in our school community are essential in securing success for your child, as such, an effective partnership between home and school will benefit your child’s learning. At Blackthorn, we strongly believe in supporting every individual, children and staff, to develop and be supported in their aspirations. Our staff culture is of enabling everyone to have opportunities to grow through support and we have a proven track record of developing both early career teachers and leaders at all levels to achieve their goals. We are proud to be a member of Northampton Primary Academy Trust (NPAT) with whom we work closely to provide opportunities for our children to broaden and enrich their time at primary school through the arts, sport and wider curriculum.
The ideal candidate will embody the NPAT values and will:
- Be passionate about supporting children to achieve their best in everything that they do.
- Be committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Establish positive and supportive relationships with children.
- Be patient, calm and resilient with a positive attitude and a sense of humour.
Our work environment includes:
- Modern office setting
- Flexible working hours
- On-the-job training
- Safe work environment
- Nursery provision from 3 years old, between 8.30am and 3.30pm, term time only
Level 2 Eary Years Practitioner - Job Description
Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks
Purpose of job:·
- To plan and deliver of the curriculum using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for guidance.
- To support learning across all subject areas of the EYFS
- To provide care and support to children within secure learning environment.
- To assist with the development of a child’s personal, social, language and physical skills
- To plan and deliver early phonics lessons, meeting the needs of individual children
- To encourage mathematical and creative development through stories, songs, games, drawing and imaginative play.
- To help children to develop curiosity and knowledge.
- To act as a key person to a small group of children, liaising closely and building an effective relationship with parents/carers and ensuring each child's needs are recognised and met.
- To work collaboratively with colleagues and share knowledge and expertise with other staff
- To keep up to date with changes in the curriculum and developments in best practice.
- To support parents and children, encouraging and involving parents in children’s learning and development.
To undertake all of the following:
- To observe, assess and support young children including those with SEN and EAL.
- To ensure all records on children including those with SEN and EAL are maintained, and relevant information is passed to Reception class teachers and school SENCOS at transition.
- To be responsible for children’s progress and attainment.
- To offer confidential support and advice to all parents, including daily informal contact and regular reviews of their child's progress.
- To liaise with other relevant agencies on the delivery of SEN provision and the individual needs of children with SEN and EAL in conjunction with the SENCO ensure that relevant external referrals are made including bringing children who are not progressing to the attention of the local authority.
- To ensure that adequate records are kept and updated regularly.
- To prepare and present informative reports to parents.
- Be a confident and effective user of technology in the classroom;
- Have a thorough working knowledge of professional duties and legal liabilities;
- Operate at all times within the stated policies and practices of the school; · establish effective working relationships and set a good example through their presentation and personal and professional conduct;
- Endeavour to give every child the opportunity to reach their potential and meet high expectations;
- Take on any additional responsibilities which might from time to time be determined.
- To take action to support the setting to achieve and maintain a minimum 'Good' Ofsted rating at the next inspection.
- To ensure that children are kept safe and that you understand when to follow child protection procedures.
- To provide support and assistance for children’s pastoral needs (e.g. dressing, going to the toilet, the changing of nappies or the administration of an Epipen)
- To liaise with parents as appropriate, maintaining sensitivity and confidentiality at all times.
- To support children’s learning and to share in the care and wellbeing of the children throughout the school.
- To support the emotional, behavioural and pastoral needs of all pupils, including children with SEN.
- To carry out specific administrative/ procedural tasks to support EYFS Leader
- To promote the school’s values and ethos.
Level 2 Eary Years Practitioner - Person Specification
Qualifications/Training
Qualifications - Essential
- Level 2 Early Years Qualification.
- GCSE in Maths grade 4 or above
- GCSE English grade 4 or above
- Current Paediatric First Aid
- A willingness to undertake further training relevant to the role.
Qualifications - Desireable
- Any other qualifications relevant to a role
Experience
Teaching & Learning - Essential
- Experience of working with children in Early Years.
- Knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
- Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework and welfare requirements
- Maintain and review the assessment of each child’s progress within the role of the key person.
- Supervise children and be a positive role model;
- Encourage good social skills. Work with guidance, but under limited supervision;
- Liaise and communicate effectively with others and maintain confidentiality at all times;
- Demonstrate good organisational skills;
- Get involved in professional development and attend courses; Display work effectively and make and maintain basic teaching resources.
Teaching & Learning - Desireable
- Previous experience of working as an Early Years Practitioner
- Knowledge of Development Matters guidance
Technology - Essential
- Competent use of technology including the use of Office 365.
Technology - Desireable
- Experience of using online platforms to share learning with parents.
Parents and Community - Essential
- Understanding of the role played by parents and the community as a whole in raising standards.
- Experience of working directly with parents and others to raise standards and involvement with the wider and local community.
Skills
Relationships - Essential
- Ability to establish and develop effective relationships within the school community, including:
* Children
* Teaching Colleagues
* Support Staff
* Governors/Trust Directors
* Parents
Relationships - Desireable
- Ability to manage difficult conversations and experience of working cohesively and contributing towards building a team ethos.
Interpersonal and communication skills - Desireable
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
- Flexible and approachable.
- Resilient under pressure.
- Positive and energetic approach to work
Attitudes
Personal - Essential
- An energetic approach to the role and responsibilities. Demonstration of a growth mindset.
- Ability to show a committed, professional and loyal attitude to the school, openly modelling its aims and values;
- An ability to use and understand discretion, confidentiality and professionalism;
- An ability to learn from mistakes and take advice.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills;
Education Philosophy - Essential
- High expectations for all learners and a desire to value every child.
- A commitment to raising achievement through partnership with parents, external services and the community.
- A determination to ensure the curriculum is adapted regularly to meet the needs of individuals in line with the school’s ethos.
- A commitment to developing the curriculum and learning delivery to meet the needs of future generations and the skills they will need
This job description is a broad overview of the post. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. Consequently, this is not a contractual document and the post holder will be required to carry out any other duties that are necessary to fulfil the purpose of the job.
Closing date: 12noon, Friday 10 July 2026.
Interview date: Week commencing 13 July 2026.
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Visits to the school:
We warmly welcome and recommend visits to the nursery and school where will be the opportunity to discuss the role further with the Executive Headteacher or Head of School. Please contact the school office on 01604 407254 to book a visit.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,796.00-£25,185.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you have previous experience of working as an Early Years Practitioner?
- First Aid Certification
Licence/Certification:
- Do you have a level 2 qualification for Early Years? (required)
Work Location: In person
