Preschool TeacherRediscover your childhood. Help us reclaim childhood for the next generation.
Location: South West London
Salary: Competitive, depending on qualifications and experience
There is a difference between looking after children and changing childhood.
At Willows, we believe the first five years are the most important years of life.
These are the years when children learn not simply what to think, but how to attend, wonder, trust, explore, persevere and belong. We believe childhood should be full of movement, conversation, imagination, laughter, nature, challenge and loving relationships—not screens, worksheets and endless assessment.
Our children build dens, climb trees, visit museums, catch buses, splash in puddles, grow vegetables, tell stories, perform plays, make music and ask impossible questions. We encourage curiosity because curiosity is where learning begins.
If that excites you, we'd like to meet you.
About Willows
Willows is an award-winning independent group of nurseries with a reputation for exceptional early years practice.
We don't believe children learn best by sitting in rows completing activities chosen for them. We believe they learn through play, relationships and carefully guided experiences.
Our teachers know when to step in with just the right question, challenge or conversation, and when to step back and allow children to become completely absorbed in what they are doing.
This is our approach to in-the-moment planning, and it is at the heart of everything we do.
Every member of staff receives ongoing coaching and professional development because we believe teaching is something that is continually refined.
The role
As one of our Preschool Teachers you will:
- Build warm, secure and trusting relationships with children.
- Observe children carefully and recognise opportunities to extend their thinking.
- Create exciting environments that invite exploration and discovery.
- Inspire language through conversation rather than instruction.
- Encourage confidence, resilience and independence.
- Join children in their play instead of supervising from the sidelines.
- Help children solve problems instead of solving them for them.
- Spend time outdoors every day.
- Take children on regular trips to parks, museums, galleries, farms and places in our local community.
- Work closely with parents as partners in their child's development.
- Contribute ideas and continually develop your own professional practice.
We are looking for people who...
- Love being with children.
- Smile easily.
- Laugh often.
- Enjoy getting muddy.
- Ask questions more than they give answers.
- Can spot a learning opportunity in an ordinary moment.
- Are energetic, thoughtful and curious.
- Believe childhood deserves protecting.
- Want to make a genuine difference.
Experience in early years is important.
Kindness is essential.
Curiosity is invaluable.
Qualifications
You will need:
- A recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
- A sound understanding of the EYFS.
- An excellent understanding of safeguarding.
Bonus qualifications:
- Level 3 in smiles.
- A diploma in building dens.
- Advanced conversation with three-year-olds.
- The ability to become a pirate, dinosaur, astronaut or dragon at a moment's notice.
- A willingness to rediscover your own childhood.
What you will receive
- Competitive salary.
- Ongoing coaching and professional development.
- Opportunities to progress within our growing nursery group.
- A supportive and highly experienced team.
- A beautiful working environment.
- Regular outings and adventures.
- The opportunity to help shape the future of early years education.
Safeguarding
Willows is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, suitable references and safer recruitment procedures.
We don't simply prepare children for school.
We help children discover themselves.
If you believe childhood should be filled with wonder, movement, kindness and adventure...
Rediscover your own childhood. Help us reclaim childhood for the next generation.
Pay: £24,420.00-£42,498.42 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Childcare
- Company pension
Work Location: In person
