At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the care and education of young children in a vibrant pre-school setting.
- Company: The Avenue Children's Centre, part of Acorn Education Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a friendly team dedicated to creating a safe and exciting learning space.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a fun, energetic team.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Childcare required; Level 3 is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26016 - 26016 £ per year.
The Avenue Children’s Centre is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Early Years Practitioner to join its team of staff on a permanent basis and support with the care, provision and supervision of children attending this vibrant Early Years setting. The successful applicants will, ideally, have an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Childcare.
Working Hours: 25 hours per week, Monday – Friday, various shifts between 7.45am and 6.00pm (52 weeks per year, including Teacher Training Days). Required: July 2026
The Avenue Children’s Centre is a friendly pre-school where staff are dedicated to creating a safe and exciting place for children, aged three months to three (plus) years, to play, learn and thrive. Located in the charming garrison town of Warminster, Wiltshire, we focus on each child as a unique individual to help them achieve their goals. In January 2023, we were proud to retain our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating and were praised for helping children to flourish at our welcoming and supportive setting, which is open from 7.45am until 6.00pm, fifty weeks of the year. We also offer a Breakfast, Holiday and After School club for children aged three to eleven years. We are part of the Acorn Education Trust, which provides exciting opportunities to collaborate and improve local education.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a passion for delivering high quality and exciting opportunities for children;
- Has strong interpersonal and communication skills and is able to work with a variety of pupils, staff and parents;
- Is a motivated, energetic and proactive Early Years Professional who will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality education and care for all of our children;
- Has experience of working with pre-school age children;
- Has a minimum NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in children’s care and learning – an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare is advantageous for the role;
- Has recognised, relevant safeguarding training;
- Can demonstrate a warm and caring approach with the children;
- Has the ability to deal with new challenging situations;
- Has a positive and flexible attitude;
- Is a strong team player able to support colleagues within a small team.
We can offer the successful candidate:
- An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic children and staff who are passionate about learning;
- A workplace where everyone feels valued and supported;
- Opportunities for training and progression;
- The support of Acorn Education Trust, with excellent opportunities to work with experienced colleagues;
- A supportive and clearly defined induction procedure.
For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack. If you have any additional questions, please contact Chris Graham, The Avenue Children’s Centre Manager, on: 01985-802419.
Closing Date: Friday 12th June 2026 at 12pm
Interview Date: w/c Monday 15th June 2026
Please note: while the closing date for applications has been set, we reserve the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate upon receipt of an exceptional application. Therefore, we would encourage prompt application for this position.
Safeguarding Statement: Acorn Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful in obtaining this post you will be subject to a Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and health screening. We are an equal opportunities employer. As part of our safer recruitment processes, if you are shortlisted for the post, we will carry out a social media account search.
Early Years Practitioner employer: Acorn Education Trust
The Avenue Children’s Centre is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the charming town of Warminster, Wiltshire. With a strong focus on employee growth through training opportunities and a commitment to creating a safe and exciting atmosphere for children, staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in early years education. Join a dedicated team that celebrates individuality and fosters collaboration within the Acorn Education Trust.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Avenue Primary School and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to early years education. Think about your experiences and how they align with what they’re looking for in an Early Years Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created engaging learning experiences in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see your genuine love for early years education and how you can contribute to our vibrant setting.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications, especially your NVQ Level 3 in Childcare if you have it. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and development.
Be Personable:Use a friendly tone in your cover letter. We appreciate strong interpersonal skills, so don’t hesitate to share a bit about your personality and how you connect with children, parents, and colleagues.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible. Exceptional applications might get an interview before the closing date, so get your application in early!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Education Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and how it applies to your role. Brush up on child development theories and be ready to discuss how you would implement them in practice.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of activities you've led or participated in that demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality care and education.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations with children. Think about past experiences where you dealt with challenging behaviours or created engaging learning opportunities, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions prepared about the school’s approach to early years education or professional development opportunities. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
