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- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Richard de Clare Community Academy, part of the Bridge Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive team, and a friendly atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a creative work environment.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children; experience in early years is a plus.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and a commitment to staff growth.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Job Ref No. ECC2083-178S
Position Type: Teaching/Child Support
Pay Range: Scale 3, point 4-5
Position Start Date: 13/04/2026
Contract Type: Part-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 22/02/2026 Midnight
Date of Interviews: To be confirmed
Richard de Clare Community Academy is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of high quality learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE & ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child’s journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy. Bridge Academy Trust is committed to its people strategy and prioritises staff development to ensure they too can enjoy, enrich, achieve and aspire.
About the role:
Our ideal candidate will be a reliable, caring, flexible and enthusiastic person who genuinely enjoys interacting with children. An ability to be a positive member of a team is essential and a sense of humour would be a bonus. We are looking for an addition to our wonderful team who has the energy and enthusiasm to make a difference! An understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and Statutory Framework is desirable but not essential as training can be provided. We are committed to continuous professional development and the relevant training will be provided for the successful applicant. Previous experience of working in a school or nursery setting is also desirable.
We can offer:
- Enthusiastic and friendly children who are willing to learn
- An inclusive and nurturing ethos
- Exciting and creative learning opportunities
- A committed and dedicated staff
- A well-established Early Years team
- Employee benefits and support from EAP
We welcome applications from all interested persons who can fulfil the person specification and job description. The school fully supports the professional development of all staff and will provide the necessary support and training for the successful applicant.
Work Schedule:
Fixed Term until 9th April 2027
30 Hours Term Time Only (38 weeks)
How to Apply:
To apply for the role, please complete the application form, demonstrating how your skills and experience match the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification and return directly to Richard de Clare Community Academy. Visits to the school are strongly encouraged and warmly welcomed prior to making an application. Application guidance notes are also available to assist you with completing your application. Informal enquiries regarding the role can be made to the school office via email to admin@richarddeclare.com
Information about the School:
At Richard de Clare Community Academy we aim to ensure that all children have a happy and successful experience at our school. All that we do is underpinned by our core school rules of being kind, being safe and being respectful. We believe that all children have the right to be respected and have the responsibility to learn how to respect others.
Richard de Clare Community Academy is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of high quality learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE, ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child’s journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy.
This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. Bridge Academy Trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Early Years Practitioner (Maternity Cover) in Halstead employer: Shorefields
Contact Detail:
Shorefields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner (Maternity Cover) in Halstead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before applying, take a tour of Richard de Clare Community Academy. This will not only give you a feel for the environment but also help you tailor your application to show how you fit into their ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current staff! Reach out to teachers or support staff at the academy through social media or professional networks. They can provide insider tips on what the school values most in candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! In your interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning in the past. Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application directly via the Richard de Clare Community Academy site. This shows you're serious about the role and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner (Maternity Cover) in Halstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When filling out your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you enjoy interacting with kids and how you can contribute to their learning journey.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description and person specification. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for at Richard de Clare Community Academy.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value a sense of humour and a caring attitude, so share anecdotes or experiences that showcase who you are!
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you pay attention to detail and care about the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and Statutory Framework. Even if you haven't worked directly with it, showing that you've done your homework will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Be ready to express your genuine love for working with children. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with kids in the past, whether in a professional setting or through volunteering. Your energy and enthusiasm can really set you apart!
✨Team Player Vibes
Highlight your ability to work well in a team. Richard de Clare Community Academy values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a team environment in previous roles. A sense of humour is a bonus, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s ethos and the Early Years team. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of helping children ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE, and ASPIRE.
