At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children's education and personal development in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Little Downsend, part of the global Cognita family, dedicated to high-quality education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunch, school holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and engaging team.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience with young children required.
The predicted salary is between 27255 - 31022 £ per year.
About the School - Little Downsend, Ashtead:
Little Downsend Ashtead is the perfect place for little learners to begin their exciting adventures. Based on a lovely quiet leafy street, in a large Victorian house, Little Downsend Ashtead has a warm and cosy feeling about it that children and parents both love. Children here are happy and settled, gently introduced to playful learning and socialising by a team of dedicated qualified teachers. Class sizes are deliberately small, so even from the very beginning, we can provide children with the very best start, encouraging them to explore the world around them.
At each of our Little Downsend schools we instil the same nurture, innovation, love of life, dynamic energy and high standards, supported by experienced and passionate teachers. The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years Educator (Maternity Cover) to join our fantastic team.
About the Role:
- Hours: 39 hours per week over 4 days, Monday to Thursday, 7:45am-4pm with a 30 minute unpaid break + 4-6pm Extended Day
- Employment type: Full-time, 52 weeks per year, Fixed-term Maternity Cover contract, 24.08.2026-28.05.2027
As an Early Years Educator at Little Downsend, you will play a vital role in supporting the education, welfare and personal development of young children within a caring, inclusive and engaging environment. You will work closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality learning experiences that encourage children to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. In this rewarding role, you will support children's daily learning and wellbeing, provide personal care when required, promote positive behaviour and help create a safe, stimulating and well-organised setting where every child can thrive. You will build strong professional relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues, contribute to wraparound care provision and participate in school events, training and professional development activities. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children will be at the heart of everything you do, ensuring that each child feels supported, valued and able to reach their full potential.
Who We Are Looking For:
You will hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) and have experience working with young children in a nursery, pre-school or school setting. You will have a strong understanding of child development and be passionate about delivering high-quality early years education and care. You will be a positive and caring individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work collaboratively as part of a team and build effective relationships with children and families. You will also be confident supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing, promoting positive behaviour and maintaining a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment. A strong commitment to safeguarding is essential, along with the ability to manage priorities effectively and contribute positively to the wider nursery community. Knowledge of the EYFS framework and experience working with children aged 0–2 years would be advantageous.
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in our company's pension scheme
- 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: 23:59 BST (UTC+1), Sunday 2nd August 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 Educator (Maternity Cover) in Ashtead employer: Cognita
Little Downsend Ashtead offers a nurturing and dynamic environment for Early Years Educators, where small class sizes and a dedicated team foster meaningful connections with children and families. As part of Cognita, a global leader in independent education, employees benefit from competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of both staff and students. Located in a charming Victorian house on a quiet street, this role provides an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young learners while enjoying a range of employee perks, including free lunches and school fee discounts.
