At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating a safe and engaging preschool environment for children.
- Company: Join Berrow Primary Church Academy, part of the supportive Pathway Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous pension, enhanced sick leave, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community focused on great education for every child.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and relevant childcare qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 22583 - 24070 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
FTE/Hours: 37 hours per week
Working weeks: Term Time Only (44.6)
Salary: TPLTSS4 £22,583 - £24,070 (actual salary)
Location: Berrow Primary Church Academy, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2LJ
Closing date: 28th June 2026
Interview dates: W/C 28th June 2026
Proposed start date: 1st September 2026
The Deputy Preschool Leader will assist in the development and provision of a safe, stimulating and welcoming programme of activity on a day to day basis to meet the children’s developmental, educational and care needs liaising with and forming positive partnerships with parents/carers.
About the role
- To act as an integral part of the Preschool team, and as such to contribute to the overall aims of the school.
- Deputise for the leader as required.
- Plan, prepare and deliver high quality educational opportunities within a safe and caring environment.
About you
- Suitable experience in direct work with children in Care, Early Years or Play setting as a lead practitioner.
- Understanding of child development and the needs of children including those with additional needs.
- NNEB/HNC or NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Child Care and Education.
About us
Berrow Primary Church Academy is currently part of The Priory Learning Trust, a group of like-minded schools whose shared ambition is to provide A Great Education for Every Child. Whilst Berrow Primary retains its own unique identity and ethos, being part of a family of schools brings additional support as well as opportunities to share expertise, provision and costs across our schools.
From September, we will be part of the newly formed Pathway Trust. Our new trust brings together two existing organisations, Castle School Education Trust and The Priory Learning Trust who have been working closely together over the last few years with great success. Pathway Trust will comprise seven secondary and thirteen primary schools across Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. We educate children from 2-18 years old. We have a strong track record of school improvement and a positive trend of improved outcomes. We are bringing together the complementary strengths and values of both trusts, with the sharing of resources and expertise across an extended network of schools enabling us to further invest in leadership and teaching for the benefit of all.
As a trust, our ambition is to enable every child to experience a great education. We have a compelling vision for each of our schools based on a deep understanding of each community we serve. Many of the challenges facing school leaders are common to all schools. Our approach to school improvement enables staff and pupils to benefit from the sharing of resources and expertise whilst remaining true to their unique identity and context. The Trust has employee development as a key priority.
We can offer you:
- Local Government Pension Scheme: You will benefit from generous employer contributions with built in peace of mind, including a tax-free Death in Service lump sum, it ensures that your long term financial well-being is as robust as your professional legacy.
- Enhanced Sick Pay: enhanced sick pay scheme during illness or unexpected sickness related emergencies, so you can focus on what matters most- your recovery.
- Family Friendly: Enhanced leave packages to support your work-life balance.
- Great team dynamics: Become part of a highly collaborative professional community, working with inspiring senior leaders and colleagues and sharing ideas, resources, and best practice across our family of schools.
- Central partnership support: You will benefit from access to high-quality central services and specialist expertise, providing strategic support to enable you to focus on leading teaching, learning and school improvement.
- Continuous Service: Full recognition of prior service for benefits which protects and enhances employment entitlements including sick pay entitlement, job security and protection of employment rights and access to family friendly leave.
- Exceptional CPD: Dedicated budget and time for your professional development.
- Diversity & Inclusion: A proactive commitment to creating a workspace where diversity is celebrated.
To find out more about Berrow Primary and our trust, please refer to our job description attached. In order to apply for this role please complete an application form via the link above. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the process. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
Join us in Providing a Great Education for Every Child. The trust is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils. The Priory Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles across the trust have a varying level of responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice, with some roles holding significant responsibility and involving working with children on a daily basis in regulated activity. Regardless of the level of responsibility and involvement in each role, we expect all staff, visiting professionals and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Successful candidates will be required to provide a disclosure of any unspent convictions and cautions, as well as any spent convictions or cautions that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered) under the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). All appointments are subject to a comprehensive pre-employment checking process. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (including a Children’s Barred List check), satisfactory references, medical fitness, Right to Work in the UK, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching/management check. In line with KCSIE guidance, we will also conduct online searches on all shortlisted candidates. Our full Recruitment and Selection policy is available on our website.
Deputy Preschool Lead employer: Berrow Primary Church Academy
Berrow Primary Church Academy, as part of The Priory Learning Trust, offers a supportive and collaborative work environment where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including enhanced sick pay and a local government pension scheme, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, this role provides an excellent opportunity for meaningful engagement in children's education within a vibrant community in Burnham-on-Sea.
Contact Details:
Berrow Primary Church Academy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Preschool Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Berrow Primary Church Academy and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they value in a Deputy Preschool Lead.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in child development and teamwork. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to a great education for every child.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Preschool Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about their development and education, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this passion.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Deputy Preschool Lead role. Highlight your experience in early years settings and how it aligns with our values at Berrow Primary. This shows us that you've done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, if you have any questions or need adjustments during the process, just let us know!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berrow Primary Church Academy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Deputy Preschool Lead inside out. Familiarise yourself with child development principles and the specific needs of children, especially those with additional needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're the right fit for the job.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children in care or early years settings. Have specific examples ready that highlight your skills in planning and delivering educational activities. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with the interviewers. Ask them about their vision for the preschool and how they support staff development. This shows your interest in the school’s ethos and your eagerness to be part of their team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you would handle specific situations with children or parents. Think through potential challenges and your strategies for resolving them. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
