Your New Organisation:
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role:
We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our Best Start family Hub team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced early years professional who is committed to supporting children and families, promoting positive outcomes, and creating engaging learning experiences that help children thrive. This contract is offered on a part time (32.50 hours) and fixed term contract basis (12 months).
You will work as part of a collaborative and supportive team by playing a key role in delivering high-quality early years provision and family support services across Southend’s Family Hubs and Network. You will help create welcoming, inclusive and stimulating environments where children can learn through play and families feel supported, valued and empowered.
As an Early Years Practitioner, you will support the delivery of high-quality care, play and learning programmes for children aged 0–5 years, ensuring activities are aligned to the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and working towards the Best Start Local Plan. You will plan, deliver and evaluate engaging sessions and workshops that support children's development whilst providing parents and carers with practical advice, guidance and ideas to encourage learning at home and within the community. You will be passionate about promoting the importance of the early years and supporting families to understand how they can help their children achieve the best possible start in life. You will work closely with colleagues, partners and community services, helping families access additional support where needed and confidently signposting to relevant services. This role requires flexibility to travel and work across Southend Best Start family Hubs and Network sites and other community-based delivery locations. Occasional evening and weekend working may be required to meet the needs of the service, therefore flexibility will be essential.
Please be aware that the advertised salary be pro rata to 32.5 hours.
NB: Potential start date for this post is in October 2026
What you'll need to succeed:
To be successful in this role, you will have experience of setting up sessions, delivering care, play and learning activities for children from birth to five years and a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. You will be confident in recognising children's developmental milestones and identifying potential developmental delays or changes in behaviour. The successful candidate will have experience of working directly with families, building strong relationships and encouraging participation in activities and services. You will understand the importance of play in supporting children's learning and development and be able to model positive interactions that help extend children's language, communication and social skills. Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills are essential, together with a good level of IT literacy. You will have knowledge of local support services and the ability to effectively signpost families to additional sources of support when required.
This role will suit individual that previously worked as an Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Nurse, Preschool Practitioner, Childcare Practitioner, Teaching Assistant within an Early Years setting, Family Support Worker, Children's Centre Worker, or in a similar role supporting young children and their families.
Level 3 qualification (or above) in Early Years Education or an equivalent qualification, alongside a commitment to ongoing professional development will be highly desirable.
A full and clean driving license will be essential as well as access to own car.
What you'll get in return:
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
What you need to do now:
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
Please be aware that this role is a Maternity Cover and is only due to start in October 2026
All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
