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- Tasks: Support and inspire children aged 2-4 in a nurturing learning environment.
- Company: Join the welcoming community at Locking Primary School.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, and paid carer's days.
- Other info: Ongoing professional development and clear career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young children's lives and foster their love of learning.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 25785 - 25785 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Early Years provision at Locking Primary School working with children aged 2-4 years. Locking Primary School is seeking a qualified Early Years Practitioner who is positive, supportive, and committed to working as part of a strong team. The successful candidate will be motivating, flexible, creative, and innovative, and will demonstrate confidence, calmness, consistency, and resourcefulness. Experience supporting EYFS pupils in a classroom environment is desirable but not essential.
Why join Locking Primary School? Become part of a welcoming village school community where every child is encouraged to be resilient, enthusiastic, and aspirational. We focus on nurturing the whole child, fostering a love of learning, and building a strong sense of belonging. Our goal is to ensure that every pupil and staff member feels included and supported, encouraging a community where everyone can thrive together.
Hours: 40 hours per week, including 40 INSET hours per academic year (term time only) Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:00pm
Actual salary: £25,785.52
Closing date: 3 June 2026
Interview date: 10 June 2026
Start date: 1 September 2026
You will work closely with the nursery and preschool manager to resource and adapt planning, supporting high‑quality teaching and learning across all subjects. You will help create stimulating learning environments that enable pupils to develop and expand their knowledge, while working collaboratively with the wider school community to uphold both school and trust values.
The role requires an individual who is proactive, energetic, and committed to engaging pupils and fostering their love of learning. You will inspire children to become confident and independent learners, while also being calm, patient, sensitive, and able to provide comfort and reassurance when needed.
You will have:
- Level 3 or above relevant childcare qualification
- EYFS experience
- Empathy for and enjoyment of working with children
- A working knowledge of effective safeguarding practices
- The ability to provide support and guidance whilst promoting learning and respect
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to engage in training and reflection for own development
- Implementation of inclusivity and diversity, supporting children and barriers to learning
- The ability to keep calm under pressure and in challenging situations
- To be self‑motivated, flexible and solution focused approach
- A good team player
What you can expect: We are helping you take care of your future with a pension contribution well above average. We are helping you take care of your family, by offering five paid carer's days (on a pro rata basis). For more information about all of our benefits, please visit our benefits page.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. Our goal is to ensure that every pupil and staff member feels included and supported, encouraging a community where everyone can thrive together.
We provide quality, ongoing professional development and network opportunities and clear pathways for career growth, enabling you to learn new skills. Join us and help shape a supportive environment where pupils and staff thrive together. Apply today and start making a difference!
Early Years Practitioner employer: Locking Primary School
Contact Detail:
Locking Primary School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Locking Primary School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on social media or professional platforms. They can give you insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in an Early Years Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your creativity and flexibility. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to engage children and create stimulating learning environments.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner
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 examples of how you've engaged with children in the past and what you love about fostering their development.
Tailor Your Application to Us: Make sure to customise your application to reflect our values at Locking Primary School. Highlight your commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and teamwork, as these are key traits we’re looking for in an Early Years Practitioner.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily see how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Locking Primary School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Brush up on key principles and how they apply to nurturing children aged 2-4. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Show Your Creative Side
Prepare to discuss how you can create stimulating learning environments. Think of specific activities or projects you could implement that align with the school’s values of fostering a love of learning. Bring examples of your creativity to the table!
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Locking Primary School values teamwork, so be ready to share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your flexibility and how you adapt to different team dynamics, showing that you can contribute positively to their strong team.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Communication
Since working with young children requires a lot of patience and understanding, prepare to discuss how you handle challenging situations. Share examples of how you’ve provided comfort and reassurance to children, showcasing your strong communication skills and empathy.