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- Tasks: Support child development through fun activities and experiences in a friendly preschool environment.
- Company: Cottontails Preschool is a welcoming community-focused preschool dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time or full-time hours, with opportunities for additional training and meetings.
- Why this job: Join a fun-loving team where laughter and creativity are part of everyday work!
- Qualifications: Must have a level 2 early years qualification and experience with preschool children.
- Other info: Expect lots of hugs, play, and the occasional messy outfit on your way home!
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Do you have a warm smiley face that can make a child feel special? Do you have a little bit of quirkiness? Are you passionate about working with children, and looking for a friendly community preschool to work in? Then joining our staff team could be the solution!
We are seeking to appoint a practitioner with key person duties for our 2nd preschool setting opening in Oakington expected September 2025. The appointee will be able to encourage child development through supporting activities and experiences.
You will become a highly-valued member of our team, encouraging child development through supporting activities and experiences. You will be enthusiastic and passionate about early years education and always willing to undertake any task that creates a fun and functional environment.
Part-time or full-time hours are possible for the right candidate. Hours will be between 8.30am – 3.15pm, Monday to Friday term time only, with additional termly overtime hours for meetings, training, etc. to be arranged in advance. Please note, while hours are negotiable, the appointee will be required from 8.30am if working morning shifts and/or to 3.15pm if working full day/afternoon shifts. Working middle of the days hours will not be possible.
Key person must have requirements:
• You must be able to distribute warm hugs as required.
• You must be able to pretend to eat play dough creations realistically, and that of drinking numerous cups of tea.
• You must have the ability to read a 10-page story book upside down, with at least 4 interruptions per page.
• You must be comfortable entering public places on the way home from work, with unknown substance on your clothing.
• You must have the ability to sing (out of tune!) in front of a crowd.
• You must be prepared to have lots of fun in the workplace. Laughter is something you can expect to engage in for the large part of your working day.
• You must feel comfortable telling everybody in the same room as you, that you are going to the toilet!
• And finally you must be able to laugh at jokes you don’t understand, or you don’t find funny!
Other requirements are:
• Having a relevant early year’s qualification at level 2 or above is essential for this position and preferably, recent experience of working with preschool children too
• An awareness of safeguarding and child protection
• To be part of the staff team and the ability to work together in a positive and compassionate way
• To continually strive for best practice in yourself and inspire others
• To be dedicated in achieving the highest standard of education and care
• Having a passion for making a difference in the local community
• Having a child-centred approach to teaching using creative and exciting methods to engage and stimulate
• Having knowledge of development matters curriculum guidance
• Be able to communicate verbally in English with children, colleagues and visitors and be able to type and write in English for children development records.
Cottontails Preschool is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children attending the setting. All successful applicants will be subject to full suitability checks including an up-to-date DBS check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Please contact Emma and Laura at info@girtoncottontailspreschool.com for an application form and job description. For more information or an informal chat, you can call us on 07368180771.
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Oakington Cottontails Preschool Key Person Practitioner employer: Girton Cottontails Preschool CIC
Contact Detail:
Girton Cottontails Preschool CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Oakington Cottontails Preschool Key Person Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Show your personality! When you meet with the team or during any informal chats, let your quirky side shine through. This role is all about creating a fun and engaging environment for children, so being yourself will help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your passion for early years education by sharing specific examples of how you've engaged with children in the past. Whether it's a fun activity or a unique approach to learning, showing your enthusiasm can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the community! If you have any local connections or experiences that relate to Oakington, mention them. This shows your commitment to making a difference in the local area and helps you relate to the preschool's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding and child protection. This is crucial in any role involving children, and demonstrating your knowledge will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
We think you need these skills to ace Oakington Cottontails Preschool Key Person Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: In your application, let your quirky side shine through! Use a friendly and warm tone to reflect the fun and engaging environment of Oakington Cottontails Preschool. Share anecdotes or experiences that highlight your passion for working with children.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your early years qualification at level 2 or above. If you have recent experience working with preschool children, include specific examples of how you've supported their development and learning.
Demonstrate Child-Centred Approach: Emphasise your child-centred teaching methods in your application. Describe creative and exciting activities you've implemented in the past that engage and stimulate children's learning, showcasing your ability to create a fun environment.
Address Safeguarding Awareness: Mention your understanding of safeguarding and child protection in your application. This is crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've prioritised children's safety and well-being in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Girton Cottontails Preschool CIC
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in the past and how you plan to create a fun and stimulating environment at Oakington Cottontails Preschool.
✨Embrace Your Quirkiness
Since the role requires a bit of quirkiness, don’t be afraid to showcase your unique personality. Whether it’s sharing a funny story or demonstrating your ability to engage in imaginative play, let your true self shine through!
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Child Development
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of child development and the relevant curriculum guidance. Highlight any previous experience you have in supporting children's learning and development, and how you can apply that at the preschool.
✨Prepare for Fun and Laughter
Since laughter is a big part of the job, think of ways to incorporate fun into your interview. You might even want to prepare a light-hearted anecdote or a playful question to ask the interviewers, showing that you’re ready to bring joy to the workplace.