Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Cognita Schools

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support a nurturing Early Years environment and help children thrive in their learning.
  • Company: Brighton College Prep Kensington, part of the global Cognita family.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunches, generous holidays, and professional development.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team in a school that values creativity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young learners' lives while enjoying a vibrant school atmosphere.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent, with a passion for child-centred education.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Brighton College Prep Kensington is a happy and vibrant school for girls and boys aged 2 to 13 years. We are well known for our welcoming atmosphere, high academic standards and exceptional pastoral care. Our unique location in the heart of Kensington allows us to use the very best of London as our classroom, enhancing our pupils’ learning with access to educational and cultural highlights.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years Practitioner to join our fantastic team. Brighton College Prep Kensington provides a warm, inclusive, and carefully structured Early Years environment in which children feel safe, valued, and supported to develop independence and positive learning behaviours. The Early Years Practitioner works closely with the Nursery Teacher to support high-quality EYFS provision and pupils’ wellbeing.

In this role, you will support the delivery of a warm, nurturing, and high-quality Early Years environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to develop independence and positive learning behaviours. Working closely with the Nursery Teacher and the wider Early Years team, you will help plan and deliver engaging EYFS activities, contribute to a calm and stimulating learning environment, and support children across all areas of their development. You will play an important part in observing pupils, contributing to assessments and record-keeping, and promoting their wellbeing, confidence and personal growth.

We are looking for a warm, patient and child-centred Early Years practitioner who is committed to providing an exceptional start for young learners. You will bring a genuine passion for Early Years education and the ability to work collaboratively within a nurturing, high-quality setting.

  • A Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent (or a willingness to work towards this)
  • A secure understanding of EYFS practice and how young children learn
  • Experience supporting children’s learning and wellbeing in an Early Years setting
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships
  • A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to children’s welfare
  • A warm, patient and child-centred approach in every aspect of your practice

Desirable attributes include experience working in an independent school or other high-quality Early Years setting, an understanding of observation and assessment to support pupil progress, and a commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

Benefits include a competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience, enrolment in our company's pension scheme, free lunch and refreshments during Term Time, generous school holidays and public holidays, school fee discount, exclusive third-party discounts, and ongoing professional development.

Complete this application before the closing date: 9am, Friday 20th March 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. 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 Practitioner employer: Cognita Schools

Brighton College Prep Kensington is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work environment where Early Years Practitioners can thrive. With access to London's rich cultural resources, generous professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to a nurturing educational experience for young learners. The school's dedication to high academic standards and pastoral care ensures that every team member feels valued and inspired.

Cognita Schools

Contact Details:

Cognita Schools Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work at Brighton College or similar schools. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for Early Years education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and wellbeing in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.

Tip Number 3

Prepare some thoughtful questions about the school's approach to EYFS and their values. This shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework, making a great impression on the interview panel.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining the Brighton College family.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent
Understanding of EYFS practice
Experience in supporting children's learning and wellbeing
Strong teamwork skills
Communication skills
Ability to build positive relationships
Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for Early Years education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and wellbeing in the past. We want to see that genuine enthusiasm!

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and environment of Brighton College Prep Kensington. Highlight your understanding of EYFS practice and how you can contribute to our warm, nurturing setting. It’s all about making that connection!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.

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 keen on joining our fantastic team at Brighton College Prep Kensington!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools

Know Your EYFS Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Familiarise yourself with how young children learn and develop, as well as the key principles of effective practice. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality early years education.

Showcase Your Passion for Early Years Education

During the interview, let your genuine passion for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and wellbeing in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see that you're not just qualified, but also truly dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives.

Prepare Engaging Activity Ideas

Think of a few engaging EYFS activities you could implement in the classroom. Be ready to discuss how these activities promote independence and positive learning behaviours. This shows that you can contribute to a stimulating learning environment and are proactive in your approach to teaching.

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills

Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with others, especially the Nursery Teacher and wider Early Years team. Share examples of how you've built positive relationships in past roles. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential in creating a nurturing environment, so make sure to convey this during your interview.