Early Years Practitioner – Level 3 - September 2026 Start!
Broughton Under Fives Preschool
Broughton, Northamptonshire, NN14 1ND
Pay: £12.71-£13 per hour, Dependant on Qualification
Hours: 8:15am – 3:15pm, Monday to Friday
Term time only
About Us
Broughton Under Fives Preschool is a small, friendly, committee-run preschool based in the heart of the village of Broughton.
We operate from our local village hall and are fortunate to have access to an extended countryside area, giving our children plenty of opportunities for outdoor learning, exploration and play.
We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming, nurturing and learning-rich environment where children can feel safe, happy and confident to explore.
We are a close-knit team of friendly and professional early years practitioners and are looking for an enthusiastic Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join us.
The Role
As an Early Years Practitioner, you will work as part of our team to provide high-quality care and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Your responsibilities will include:
- Planning and providing engaging, age-appropriate learning opportunities based on children's interests, needs and stages of development
- Creating a safe, stimulating, inclusive and nurturing environment
- Supporting children's social, emotional, communication, cognitive and physical development
- Observing children and contributing to appropriate assessment and planning
- Acting as a key person and building positive, secure relationships with children and their families
- Providing individualised support to help every child thrive
- Supporting children with additional needs and working inclusively with all children
- Communicating effectively and professionally with parents and carers
- Working collaboratively with colleagues, the preschool manager and committee
- Maintaining a safe, clean and organised environment
- Following the preschool's safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour, equality and other policies and procedures
- Maintaining children's confidentiality and appropriate records
- Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
- Promoting children's health, wellbeing and safety throughout the preschool day
- Supporting safe eating, hygiene and personal care practices
- Undertaking relevant training and continued professional development
Essential Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a full and relevant Level 3 early years/childcare qualification that meets current Department for Education requirements for working within EYFS ratios
- Have previous experience of working with children
- Have a good understanding of the EYFS
- Have a sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities
- Be able to recognise possible signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns and understand how to report concerns appropriately - training will be provided
- Have good written and verbal communication skills
- Be able to work effectively as part of a small team
- Be reliable, caring, patient and enthusiastic
- Have a genuine commitment to supporting children's learning, development, safety and wellbeing
- Be able to commute reliably to Broughton, NN14 1ND
Paediatric First Aid is desirable, although training can be arranged for the successful candidate if required.
Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment
Broughton Under Fives Preschool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be subject to our safer recruitment procedures and satisfactory pre-employment checks.
These will include:
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including the appropriate Children's Barred List check where applicable
- Verification of identity
- Verification of relevant early years qualifications
- Appropriate right-to-work checks
- Satisfactory employment references obtained directly by the preschool
- A reference from the applicant's current employer, training provider or education setting, as appropriate
- Where the applicant is not currently working with children, a reference/verification from the relevant employer from the last time they worked with children
- Verification and follow-up of references where required, including clarification of any discrepancies or concerns
- Consideration of the applicant's suitability to work with children
- Discussion of safeguarding and suitability as part of the interview and recruitment process
We will not accept open references or references from family members, and applicants should not obtain references on our behalf.
Applicants will be asked to provide sufficient employment and education information to enable the preschool to carry out appropriate safer-recruitment checks. Any discrepancies or relevant gaps will be discussed as part of the recruitment process.
The successful applicant will also be expected to complete safeguarding induction and training and to maintain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities throughout their employment.
Appointment will only be confirmed once the preschool is satisfied that all required safer-recruitment and suitability checks have been completed.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who:
- Puts children at the heart of everything
- Is warm, caring and approachable
- Enjoys getting involved in children's play and learning
- Can bring ideas and enthusiasm to our preschool
- Values outdoor learning and exploration
- Understands that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
- Builds positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Is happy working within a small, supportive team
- Is committed to providing the best possible experiences for our children
Benefits
- Term-time working
- Monday to Friday hours
- Friendly and supportive small team
- Welcoming committee-run preschool
- Employee mentoring and support
- Opportunities for training and professional development
- Free on-site parking
- Access to a fantastic countryside environment for outdoor learning
Experience
Early years/nursery/childcare experience: Minimum 1 year preferred
Education
Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification: Required
Licence/Certification
Paediatric First Aid: Desirable
Work Location
In person – Broughton, Northamptonshire, NN14 1ND
Equal Opportunities
Broughton Under Fives Preschool is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
If you are passionate about early years, committed to safeguarding children and would love to become part of our friendly village preschool, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.71-£13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- What is your current notice period?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person