About this Role
"Pupils learn to be resilient and independent learners"
OFSTED Inspection - February 2026
- Exceptional: Achievement, Early Years, Leadership and Governance
- Strong Standard: Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, Inclusion, Personal Development and Wellbeing
- Safeguarding: Standards Met
Are you passionate about giving children the best possible start in life?
At Barclay Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, develop a love of learning and achieve their full potential. We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated and experienced Early Years Practitioner (EYP) to join our dedicated team and help shape the educational experiences and life chances of our youngest learners.
We are looking for an organised, proactive and caring practitioner who demonstrates good to outstanding practice, builds positive relationships with children, colleagues and parents, and is committed to creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and supported.
Our values
At Barclay Primary School, we live, work and learn through our five values:
- ASPIRATION - Encouraging every child to explore their potential, develop confidence and achieve their best.
- KINDNESS - Creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and cared for.
- RESPECT - Listening to children, celebrating individuality and promoting positive relationships.
- HONESTY - Modelling honesty, trust and integrity in everything we do.
- RESPONSIBILITY - Encouraging children to develop independence, make positive choices and take responsibility for their actions.
These values underpin our approach to Early Years, where strong relationships, purposeful play and positive experiences help children develop the foundations for lifelong learning.
About Barclay Primary School
We are a popular and fully inclusive primary school serving the community in East London. As a co-educational, six-form entry primary school, Barclay is one of the largest and highest-performing primary schools in the country. Since 2008, the school has risen from the bottom 5% of schools nationally to sustain a place in the top 3% nationally.
Our commitment to excellence begins in the Early Years. We recognise the importance of high-quality early education in developing children's communication, language, social skills, emotional wellbeing, independence and curiosity about the world around them.
As part of the Lion Academy Trust, we benefit from established systems, effective pedagogies and a carefully planned curriculum. Our Lion Pathways Curriculum supports our commitment to providing purposeful, engaging and ambitious learning experiences that enable every child to flourish.
The role: Early Years Practitioner
As an Early Years Practitioner at Barclay, you will play a vital role in creating a welcoming, stimulating and inclusive environment in which children feel secure, confident and excited to learn.
You will work collaboratively with teachers and colleagues to support children's learning and development, contribute to the delivery of high-quality provision, and help ensure that every child receives the care, encouragement and opportunities they need to succeed.
We are looking for someone who can:
- Deliver a wide range of creative, engaging and enjoyable activities, both indoors and outdoors, that support children's learning, development and curiosity.
- Establish positive, nurturing relationships with children, promoting their confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing.
- Support children's communication, language, physical development, social interaction and early learning through purposeful play and meaningful experiences.
- Contribute to a safe, stimulating and well-organised learning environment that meets the needs of all children.
- Work effectively with teachers and other colleagues to support planning, provision and children's progress.
- Build positive partnerships with parents and carers, recognising the importance of working together to support each child's development.
- Promote inclusion and ensure that children with different needs, abilities and backgrounds are supported to participate fully in learning.
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and behaviour, always prioritising children's welfare.
- Demonstrate initiative, organisation and a proactive approach to daily responsibilities, contributing positively to the wider school community.
Who are we looking for?
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and committed Early Years Practitioner who is passionate about helping young children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for the next stage of their education.
You will have:
- A recognised Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education, such as NNEB, CACHE Level 3 or NVQ Level 3.
- Experience working in a nursery, childcare setting or Early Years environment.
- A strong understanding of children's learning and development, and the importance of play-based learning.
- The ability to build warm, professional relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
- Strong organisational skills, a proactive attitude and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- A commitment to delivering high-quality care and learning experiences for every child.
- A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to keeping children safe.
Above all, we are looking for someone who shares our belief that every interaction matters and that a positive Early Years experience can make a lasting difference to a child's life chances.
What we offer you
At Barclay Primary School, we recognise that exceptional provision for children starts with a supported, motivated and well-developed team. We are committed to investing in our colleagues and providing opportunities to grow professionally.
We offer:
- Career progression and development: Opportunities to develop your skills and progress within the school and the wider Lion Academy Trust.
- High-quality professional development: Unlimited access to CPD through providers such as The National College, supporting your professional knowledge and practice.
- A dedicated and supportive team: The opportunity to work alongside committed teachers and support staff who share a passion for achieving the best outcomes for children.
- Inspiring children: Work with enthusiastic, friendly and aspirational children who are eager to learn and make the most of their education.
- A vibrant school environment: Join a dynamic, ambitious and inclusive community that values initiative, commitment and collaboration.
- Lion Pathways Curriculum: Contribute to a carefully developed curriculum that supports children's learning, development and progression.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access to support for you and your immediate family.
- Perks at Work: Access to discounts, including cinema tickets, alongside travel and bicycle scheme benefits.
At Barclay Primary School, we know that the Early Years are fundamental to children's future success. We are looking for a practitioner who will bring enthusiasm, creativity, care and commitment to the role, helping our youngest learners develop the resilience, independence and confidence to thrive.
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Early Years Practioner at Barclay Primary School in City of London employer: Barclay Primary School
Barclay Primary School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, including bespoke CPD opportunities and reduced workload initiatives, teachers can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with Special Educational Needs. Located in a vibrant community, the school offers cutting-edge technology and a network of local schools for collaboration, ensuring that every employee has the tools and support needed to succeed.
