Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner

Croydon Full-Time 26990 - 27600 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead our nursery provision and shape the next generation of children.
  • Company: Join Woodside Primary School, part of the Inspire Partnership multi-academy trust.
  • Benefits: Enjoy ongoing professional development, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a vibrant community.
  • Qualifications: Candidates with various experience levels are encouraged to apply; passion for education is key.
  • Other info: Visits to the school are welcomed; early applications are advised.

The predicted salary is between 26990 - 27600 £ per year.

Salary: NJC Outer London, Grade 5, Spine Point 13 -15 – £31,986.00 FTE – £32,931.00 FTE

Start Date: Thursday 28th August 2025

Contract: Permanent, Term-Time Only + 1 Week

Location: Woodside Primary School, Morland Road, Croydon, CR0 6NF

Hours Per Week: Monday – Friday – (36 hours)

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will be leading our nursery provision and have a pivotal role to play in shaping the next generation. You have the opportunity to be a role model, with the ability to develop children’s talents. You are able to maximize their potential, enabling them to achieve something they thought they never could. If you have this mindset and with it, a deep desire to make a difference, then Woodside Primary School is the school for you!

We are a school on a journey towards excellence for all. A journey that is built on equity, inclusion and ambition, with our community at the centre of everything we do.

Children at Woodside Primary School need people who:

  • Want to be here and to make a difference;
  • Build rewarding relationships;
  • Are aspirational;
  • Have a sense of humour.

‘The Woodside Family’ is seeking to appoint ambitious, creative and aspirational Early Years Practitioners and in return will:

  • Support you and celebrate the difference you are making;
  • Value your wellbeing;
  • Offer you the very best CPD;
  • Recognise your potential and support your career development;
  • Pay a competitive salary.

The Inspire Partnership is a multi-academy trust of 10 schools based in Greenwich, Medway and Croydon. If you share in our belief that success is gained by developing a growth mindset; one which values effort and believes anything is possible, then we want to hear from you! Candidates with a range of experience are encouraged to apply.

If you are ready for the next step in your career, we can offer extensive career growth and opportunities to lead beyond your own classroom. Senior leaders, middle leaders and ECTs are all very welcome to apply.

Visits to the school are encouraged – we would very much like to meet you and answer any questions you may have.

What we offer:

  • Ongoing professional development;
  • Commitment to staff wellbeing (members of the staff wellbeing charter);
  • Generous Annual Leave;
  • Annual Incremental Pay Increases;
  • Enhanced Family Friendly Pay (maternity, paternity/enhanced sickness pay);
  • Local Government Pension Scheme;
  • Eye care voucher scheme;
  • Extensive Training and Induction programme.

Further details about this vacancy and the job description can be found below. If you are ready to be a part of our dedicated team here at Woodside Primary School and want to make a positive impact on the lives of children, please complete the Inspire Partnership Academy Trust Application Form. Our recruitment team will be in touch once we receive your application form. All aspects of the application form must be fully completed to be considered for shortlisting; furthermore, please ensure that the Personal Statement in your application form addresses how you meet the duties outlined in the Person Specification. Please kindly note, we do not accept CVs. Please fill out the application form and the Equal Opportunities Form that is attached to this vacancy.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint at any stage during the recruitment process. Early applications are advised, as interviews will be ongoing. Visits to the school are encouraged – we would very much like to meet you and answer any questions you may have.

Further information about our Trust is available at: Inspire Partnership or via our school website: Woodside Primary School.

To visit the school please contact: Imandeep Atwal – Headteacher – iatwal@inspirewoodside.co.uk

For enquiries or an application pack please contact Janine Fernandes on 07706 829 391 / 020 8135 8372 or by email croydonhubrecruitment@inspirepartnership.co.uk

Please note we will only accept applications from candidates who have documentary evidence that they have the right to work in the UK. Woodside Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, volunteers and external agencies to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, Medical Clearance and satisfactory Employment References.

Early Years Practitioner employer: Croydon Education Partnership

Woodside Primary School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Early Years Practitioners. With a strong commitment to staff wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and extensive career growth opportunities, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. Located in Croydon, our vibrant school community values creativity, ambition, and collaboration, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to thrive.
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Contact Detail:

Croydon Education Partnership Recruiting Team

iatwal@inspirewoodside.co.uk

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Make sure to visit Woodside Primary School before applying. This will not only give you a feel for the environment but also show your genuine interest in the role and the school community.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with the school's values and mission. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to equity, inclusion, and ambition, and think about how you can demonstrate these qualities during any interactions with the recruitment team.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experiences in developing children's talents and maximising their potential. Think of specific examples that highlight your ability to be a role model and make a difference in their lives.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your growth mindset during conversations. Be ready to talk about how you value effort and believe in the possibilities for both yourself and the children you will work with.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner

Child Development Knowledge
Communication Skills
Creativity
Empathy
Behaviour Management
Teamwork
Planning and Organisation
Observation Skills
Adaptability
Patience
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Safeguarding Procedures
Ability to Build Relationships
Commitment to Continuous Professional Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and expectations of an Early Years Practitioner. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.

Craft a Strong Personal Statement: In your application form, ensure your Personal Statement clearly addresses how you meet the duties outlined in the Person Specification. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Complete All Forms: Make sure to fill out the Inspire Partnership Academy Trust Application Form and the Equal Opportunities Form attached to the vacancy. Double-check that all sections are completed to avoid any issues during shortlisting.

Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to making a difference in their lives. Highlight any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to build rewarding relationships and foster a positive learning environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Education Partnership

✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education

Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with young children. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's development in the past, as this will resonate well with the interviewers at Woodside Primary School.

✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Inclusion

Given the school's commitment to equity and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you would create an inclusive environment for all children. Highlight any relevant experiences or strategies you've used to support diverse learning needs.

✨Prepare Questions About Professional Development

Since the role offers extensive career growth and CPD opportunities, come prepared with questions about these aspects. This shows that you are serious about your professional development and eager to grow within the school community.

✨Emphasise Relationship Building Skills

Building rewarding relationships is key in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built rapport with children, parents, and colleagues in previous positions, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into 'The Woodside Family'.

Early Years Practitioner
Croydon Education Partnership
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