Early Childhood Cover Assistant (Casual) in Forest Row

Thank you for your interest in the above vacancy.

The details of this role are as follows:

• Working hours: 8am – 12.45pm as required
• Contract type: Cover (Casual)
• Salary: £12.71 per hour
• Start date: 01 September 2026

If you have any queries or need further information about the position, please do not hesitate to contact the People & Culture Team at Michael Hall School.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Early Childhood Assistant plays a flexible and supportive role within the Early Childhood Department, providing cover for staff absences and assisting across a range of settings. These include Parent and Child groups, the Saplings provision for children aged 2–4 years, and the kindergartens for children aged 4–6 years. The role requires a warm, nurturing approach, adaptability, and a genuine understanding of and commitment to Steiner Waldorf principles. The successful candidate will contribute to creating a calm, supportive, and enriching environment where young children can thrive through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Group Leader in their work and in maintaining the setting ethos and atmosphere including but not limited to:
• Assist with the preparation of the indoor and outdoor environment, including the organisation of resources and materials needed for the activities of each day
• Support children with care routines such as toileting, changing, and mealtimes, while respecting each child’s dignity, independence, and developing sense of autonomy.
• Be willing to contribute to the preparation and celebration of seasonal festivals and special events.
• Engage fully with the content of ring time and support children’s attention, participation, and listening skills during stories and group activities.
• Provide warmth, reassurance, and comfort to children when they need emotional support.
• Foster healthy social interactions and emotional well-being among children, providing gentle guidance and support as needed.
• Respond to individual children’s needs as they arise and help maintain the rhythm, routine, and flow of the setting.
• Assist with the preparation and serving of the morning snack.
• Act as a positive role model for children through active participation in craft, practical, and domestic activities.
• Take responsibility for children’s safety, care, and well-being within both the indoor and outdoor environments as required.
• Support the cleaning, maintenance, repair, and creation of equipment and resources, while helping to care for the spaces used by the setting, including the classroom, cloakroom, toilets, and garden.
• Be able to manage the physical demands of the role with energy, resilience, and a practical approach.
• Demonstrate a high standard of spoken and written English.
• Uphold Early Childhood policies, curriculum guidelines, and relevant Government and Children’s Services requirements.
• Be prepared to support the effective running and development of the Early Childhood Department.
• Meet the eligibility requirements for registration under the Children’s Act 1989.
• Maintain an understanding of and comply with EYFS regulations and requirements.
• Attend Inset days, relevant training sessions, and faculty meetings as outlined in the terms of your contract.

Safeguarding Children / Child Protection

You will work in accordance with Michael Hall School policies and procedures for safeguarding vulnerable children.

Equal Opportunities

As a member of staff at Michael Hall School, you have a personal responsibility to ensure that you do not discriminate, harass, bully, or contribute to the discrimination of a colleague or colleagues, or condone discrimination, harassment or bullying by others. You also have a responsibility to ensure that all people that you have contact with during the course of your employment, including children, relatives and staff, are treated equally in line with the Equal Opportunities Policy.

This job description is not exhaustive. You may be asked to undertake any other similar duties if required. This job description may be reviewed and altered in the light of changed service needs and following discussion with the post holder. Michael Hall School employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment. The post holder will be required to comply with all internal policies and procedures.

Michael Hall School is an equal opportunities employer and the post holder will be expected to promote this in all aspects of work. At Michael Hall School we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our students and staff alike. The Early Childhood Cover Assistant plays a crucial role in fostering the growth and well-being of our youngest children, embodying the values of compassion, creativity, and community that are central to Waldorf education. Michael Hall is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage individuals who resonate with our educational philosophy to apply for this rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of young children.