Priory Poppets Early Years
Fixed-term maternity cover: January 2027 – August 2027
Job Summary
Priory Poppets is seeking a passionate, caring and dedicated Level 3 Qualified Early Years Practitioner to join our Early Years team on a fixed-term maternity cover basis from January 2027 to August 2027.
The successful candidate will work as part of our established Early Years team, providing high-quality care and education for our children within a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.
You will support children's learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), build positive relationships with children and their families, and contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the Early Years provision.
We are looking for an enthusiastic practitioner who is committed to giving children the best possible start and who understands the importance of providing warm, responsive and individualised care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality care and education for children in accordance with the EYFS and Priory Poppets' policies and procedures.
- Plan and provide engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences based on children's individual needs, interests and stages of development.
- Act as a Key Person, building secure and positive relationships with children and their families.
- Observe children's learning and development, maintain appropriate records and contribute to identifying suitable next steps.
- Support children's daily care routines, including mealtimes, toileting/nappy changing, sleep and rest, while promoting independence and maintaining children's dignity.
- Create a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment that encourages children to explore, develop confidence and become increasingly independent.
- Support children's personal, social and emotional development through positive interactions and consistent expectations.
- Work collaboratively with Room Leaders, practitioners and the wider Early Years team to maintain high standards across the provision.
- Develop positive partnerships with parents and carers, communicating appropriately about children's wellbeing, development and achievements.
- Follow all safeguarding and child protection procedures and report any concerns appropriately.
- Maintain accurate records, including observations, care information, accident and incident documentation where required.
- Follow the setting's health and safety, safer sleep, hygiene, equality and inclusion policies and procedures.
- Support children with additional needs and work inclusively to ensure that every child can participate fully in the provision.
- Participate in staff meetings, training and continued professional development as required.
- Contribute positively to the wider life and ethos of Priory Poppets and Priory School.
Requirements
Essential:
- A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification.
- Experience of working with young children within an Early Years or nursery setting.
- A good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and child development.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and the responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner.
- A warm, caring and nurturing approach to working with young children.
- Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Reliable, professional and committed to maintaining high standards of care and education.
Desirable:
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Experience working as a Key Person.
- Experience supporting children with SEND or additional needs.
- Knowledge of observation, assessment and planning within the EYFS.
About the Role
This is a fixed-term maternity cover position from January 2027 until August 2027.
The successful candidate will become part of a supportive and experienced Early Years team and will play an important role in ensuring continuity of high-quality care and education for our children throughout the maternity cover period.
Priory Poppets is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Pay: From £21,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
