At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children’s learning in a safe and stimulating environment.
- Company: Join Breaside Preparatory School, part of the global Cognita community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, school fee discounts, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and early applications encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and experience with EYFS curriculum required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
About the School
Breaside Orchard Road, located in Bromley, Kent, Breaside Preparatory School provides a rich learning environment for your son or daughter. Our curriculum will prepare your children for the senior schools of choice through a balanced and broadly based education, from their first days in Kindergarten through to the age of 11. We believe in getting the basics right and teaching the core subjects with a mixture of traditional teaching styles with the more modern approaches to learning. Coupled together with a strong work ethic and an enriching learning environment, we are confident that we help each child to develop towards their full potential.
About the Role
We are looking for an Early Years Teaching Assistant to assist in providing a safe, secure, and stimulating learning environment for children. Working within the standards and requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum in planning and assessment as well as helping children of all attainment levels achieve their full potential. The children in Early Years are aged between 2 years and 4 years. The role involves working with children of all abilities, including those with Special Educational Needs, supporting both group and independent activities, and adapting learning experiences to meet individual needs. You will work closely with the Room Leader and Early Years team to plan and assess in line with EYFS guidelines, while monitoring progress and providing regular feedback on pupils’ achievements and development. This is a permanent, full-time role.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a confident and caring Early Years professional with a strong knowledge of the EYFS curriculum and experience supporting young children’s learning, including phonics delivery. The ideal candidate will hold a Level 3 childcare qualification (or equivalent) and GCSEs in English and Maths, and be experienced in meeting the individual needs of children, including intimate care. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be calm under pressure, and able to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and parents. A proactive and flexible approach, along with good IT skills and the ability to handle situations with tact and sensitivity, is essential.
Benefits at Cognita
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Free coffee and tea supplied throughout the day
- Free lunch provided during term time
- School holidays and public holidays
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 24th May 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Early Years Assistant employer: Cognita Schools
Cognita, a global leader in independent education, offers an enriching work environment for Early Years Assistants at Breaside Preparatory School in Bromley, Kent. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including free meals and parking, and a supportive culture that values diversity and individual growth, Cognita empowers its staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact on young learners' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with young children. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Breaside Preparatory School and understand their ethos. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your work with children, whether it’s lesson plans or activities you've led. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and creativity in supporting young learners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your love for teaching and how you’ve made a positive impact on children's learning.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the requirements mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the listing, like 'EYFS curriculum' and 'supporting children’s learning', to demonstrate that you’re a perfect fit for the Early Years Assistant position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. We want to see your qualifications and experiences clearly laid out, so make it easy for us to understand why you’re the right candidate.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a bonus in today’s educational environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Familiarise yourself with its principles and how they apply to children aged 2 to 4. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented these guidelines in your previous roles will show that you're the right fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Early Years Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with children, parents, and staff. Prepare to share examples of how you've built positive relationships in the past. Think about times when your communication skills helped resolve a situation or enhanced a child's learning experience.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, especially those involving children with special educational needs. Practice your responses to scenarios like adapting activities for different abilities or managing challenging behaviour. This will demonstrate your proactive and flexible approach.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
You'll be working closely with the Room Leader and other team members, so it's crucial to show that you can collaborate effectively. Share examples of successful teamwork from your past roles, focusing on how you contributed to a positive learning environment and supported your colleagues.
