Early Years Practitioner (Level 3 or Above)
Full-Time | Term Time Only | Temporary with Potential to Become Permanent
Mansbridge Community Pre-School in Southampton is looking for an outstanding Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly, passionate, and growing team.
We are an Ofsted Outstanding setting with a strong reputation for providing high-quality early years education and care. Due to an exciting period of growth, we are expanding our provision to include a new Baby/Toddler Room, welcoming children from 3 months old alongside our existing early years provision.
This vacancy is primarily based within our Preschool Room, supporting children as they prepare for their transition to school. However, as we continue to grow, we are looking for someone who is flexible and enjoys working collaboratively. There will be opportunities to work across our different age groups, providing support and cover where needed, ensuring all children receive the highest standard of care and education.
If you are passionate about inspiring young children, building positive relationships, and making a real difference to children's lives, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Mansbridge Community Pre-School provides a nurturing, inspiring and safe environment where children can learn, play and thrive. Our setting currently cares for children aged 2-4 years, and our exciting expansion means we will soon be welcoming babies from 3 months old into our new Baby/Toddler Room from September.
We are registered for up to 24 children per session for our Baby/Toddler room and 28 for our preschool room. We are open Monday to Friday, 7:45am-15:00pm during term time- with after school club running 15:00-17:30pm.
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Early Years Practitioner with excellent knowledge of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Role to start on 1st September 2026.
The successful candidate will:
- Be primarily based within our Preschool Room.
- Support colleagues across other rooms when required to provide cover and ensure the smooth running of the setting.
- Work collaboratively as part of a caring and supportive team.
- Create stimulating learning opportunities that encourage every child to achieve their full potential.
- Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 (or above) Childcare Qualification.
- Experience working within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Excellent understanding of the EYFS.
- Excellent knowledge of safeguarding children.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Good IT skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
A current Paediatric First Aid certificate and DBS Update Service subscription are desirable but not essential, as training can be provided.
Main Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day running of the setting.
- Deliver stimulating, inclusive and engaging learning experiences.
- Ensure children's safety, wellbeing and welfare at all times.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
- Act as a Key Person, maintaining accurate learning and development records.
- Contribute to planning, observations and assessments.
- Support curriculum planning and wider setting development.
- Attend staff meetings and training.
- Build positive relationships with parents and carers.
- Work flexibly across rooms to support the wider team where required.
- Assist with lunchtime supervision and daily routines.
- Support children with additional needs or on a one-to-one basis where appropriate.
Safeguarding
Mansbridge Community Pre-School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS check.
- Two satisfactory references.
- Completion of an application form and health declaration.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Hours
Monday-Friday
- 8:15am-3:30pm, but must be flexible to start from 7:45am and finish at 17:30 as we grow and extra staffing is required
- One day each week until 4:00pm
- Potential for earlier or later start/finish depending on numbers for breakfast club and afterschool club.
Term Time Only
Salary
£12.75 per hour
Contract
Temporary until July 2027, with the potential to become a permanent position for the right candidate.
If you are enthusiastic, caring and excited to be part of an Outstanding setting entering an exciting new chapter, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Temp to perm
Pay: £12.75 per hour
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Free parking
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
- Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
- Management: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
