Childcare Worker at Damers First School in Hilton

Damers First School is launching a brand‑new school‑based nursery opening September 2026. This opportunity is for an experienced childcare worker to help shape our provision. The position is term‑time only, 39 weeks, with an annual salary of £19,848 to £20,162.

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will play a key role in shaping the very first steps of our children's learning journeys. Working within a safe, nurturing, and stimulating purpose‑built environment, you will help create the foundations for future success, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Relevant Level 3+ qualification in Early Childhood Education or working towards it.
• Experience working with children in a nursery or educational setting (essential).
• Be able to act under own initiative and make decisions.
• Excellent communication skills in English, verbal and written, to engage effectively with children, parents, and staff.
• Strong organisational skills to manage daily activities efficiently while ensuring high standards of care.
• A genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their growth and development.
• Disclosure and Barring Service check in line with the Government's safer recruitment guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Assist the nursery teacher in providing a warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere for children, ensuring their emotional and physical well‑being.
• Carry out planned activities under the general guidance, direction, and supervision of the EYFS lead and nursery teacher to maximise the development of each child.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of a curriculum that leads towards meeting agreed objectives and targets.
• Observe and assess children's progress, providing feedback to parents and guardians on their development.
• Foster positive relationships with children, encouraging their social skills and independence.
• Collaborate with colleagues to maintain a high standard of care and education within the nursery setting.
• Manage behaviour effectively, ensuring a positive learning environment for all children.
• Drive initiatives that promote parental involvement in their child's learning journey.
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children.

Benefits and Working Conditions

• A rare chance to be part of a brand‑new, aspirational nursery project from the very beginning.
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly experienced and supportive team within the main school.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Outstanding support from our skilled and welcoming administrative team.
• A large, modern and purpose‑designed learning environment in the heart of Poundbury.
• Salary is pro‑rated based on hours and weeks worked and includes appropriate paid annual leave and bank holiday entitlements.

Damers First School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and related guidance. The salary quoted is the annual salary at the time of advert and will be adjusted at the start of employment and again if leaving part way through the school year to ensure the correct salary is received for the work completed in an academic year. This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.