Job Description
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Come and help little minds grow, big imaginations soar, and every child feel at home.
We're looking for a kind, enthusiastic and passionate Early Years Practitioner to join our wonderful team!
If you love the sound of tiny giggles, messy play, big questions, story time, muddy puddles and celebrating all things, big and small, you might just be the person we're looking for.
What you'll be doing
Every day is different and that's what makes it so special!
You'll help create a fun, safe and nurturing environment where children can play, belong, explore, discover and learn at their own pace.
Your day might include:
Getting creative with arts, crafts and messy play
Joining in with imaginative games and make-believe
Sharing stories, songs and plenty of silly voices
Exploring the great outdoors and discovering the world around us
Supporting children as they develop their confidence, communication and independence
Celebrating every milestone - from putting on their own shoes to making their first best friend
Building positive relationships with children, families and the wider team
Supporting observations, planning and children's individual learning journeys
Helping to maintain a safe, happy and inclusive environment for every child
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who is:
Warm, caring and genuinely passionate about working with young children
Fun and not afraid to get involved!
Patient, kind and understanding
A great team player who is happy to muck in
Confident communicating with children, families and colleagues
Creative and full of ideas
Reliable, enthusiastic and willing to learn
Committed to providing every child with the best possible start
You'll hold a relevant Early Years qualification, such as an Early Years Educator / Level 3 qualification, or be working towards one.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who understands that children learn through play, relationships, curiosity and having fun.
Why join us?
Because we believe our team deserves to feel just as valued as the children we care for.
You'll be joining a friendly, supportive team where your ideas are welcomed, your development matters and no two days are ever quite the same!
We'll support you to:
Grow your skills and confidence
Bring your own ideas and creativity to the setting
Work alongside a genuinely supportive team
Continue your learning and professional development
Have fun while making a real difference to little lives
The important stuff
Position: Early Years Practitioner
Hours: Term Time only - Tuesday & Thursday 8.45 (9.00) - 12.00, Wednesday 8.45 (9.00) - 12.00 (or 3.30) (day/hours so please get in touch)
Salary: L3 qualified £12.88p/h
Location: St Mary's Playschool, Church Centre, The Chase, Great Baddow, CM2 7JU
Contract: Initially Fixed-term until July 2027
If you're someone who can turn a cardboard box into a rocket, sing the same nursery rhyme 17 times without losing your enthusiasm, and celebrate a child finally mastering their coat zip like it's an Olympic gold medal - we'd love to hear from you!
Come and be part of our little team with a big heart.
To apply: Please email your C.V along with a cover letter to Mandy Wanless @ playschoolsm@gmail.com
Work Location: In person
Information about the School
Established in 1968, our playschool is within the church centre, next to St Mary's Church, Great Baddow.
Our historic building, which was previously Great Baddow's traditional village school includes four classrooms, an indoor playroom, a sensory room, office, kitchen and hall as well as a fully enclosed wide-reaching playground.
Our aim is to provide the best possible quality care and education in a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment.
Our opening times are:
Morning sessions - Monday - Friday 9.00 - 12.00
Lunch Club - Monday - Thursday 12.00 - 1.00
Afternoons - Monday - Thursday 1.00 - 3.30
Term time only