At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional care and engaging, play-based learning for children aged 2-5.
- Company: Join a warm, nurturing independent prep school with a strong family ethos.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and complimentary lunches.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with clear career progression and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in children's lives every day while fostering creativity and curiosity.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in Early Years Education required; passion for child development essential.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
Are you passionate about early childhood education and ready to make a meaningful difference every single day? We are seeking a caring, skilled Early Years Practitioner to join our warm and thriving EYFS team in our outstanding independent prep school. St Edward’s Prep is a warm, nurturing school with a strong family ethos. For over 70 years we have provided a safe, happy environment where children develop confidence, curiosity and a genuine love of learning. Our EYFS team plays a central role in shaping these foundations, and we are looking for someone who shares our belief that joyful, discovery-rich early years experiences make all the difference. If you believe in play-rich learning, nurturing relationships, child-led exploration and a truly discovery-based EYFS atmosphere, we’d love to hear from you.
Hours, Salary & Benefits
- Hours: Permanent, term-time or year-round position available.
- Level 3 in Early Years Education required.
- Salary: £14.00 ph / £29,120.00 pa
- Outstanding learning environments
- Exceptional CPD opportunities
- 5% employer pension
- Means-tested staff discount
- Complimentary lunches
- 25 days paid leave + bank holidays pa
- Access to the group's counselling scheme
- Access to fully funded apprenticeships
- Discretionary Christmas stand down
Why Join Us?
- A Beautiful, Well-Resourced, Inspiring Environment: Enjoy thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces that allow you to bring high-quality early years practice to life. Wellbeing, creativity and curiosity sit at the heart of our provision.
- A Supportive, Collaborative Team: You’ll join an experienced, nurturing EYFS team where your ideas are valued and your wellbeing matters. We work closely together and share a strong commitment to exceptional early years education.
- Clear, Genuine Career Progression: Opportunities to develop expertise (Outdoor Learning, Literacy, Drawing Club, SEN etc.) Access to high-quality whole-school professional development Support for furthering qualifications The chance to take on leadership responsibilities for the right candidate, should a position arise.
- A Setting That Values Your Expertise: Our strong family ethos and supportive leadership culture mean you’ll be a valued member of a community that celebrates creativity, teamwork and professional growth. You’ll be trusted, supported and encouraged to bring your best ideas to the children you work with every day.
About the Role
- Provide exceptional care and education for children aged 2–5
- Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences
- Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families
- Work collaboratively to maintain our outstanding EYFS provision
- Contribute to a joyful, curiosity-driven learning culture
Who We're Looking For
- Passionate about Early Years and child development
- Warm, nurturing and relational
- Creative, reflective and enthusiastic
- Confident with play-based and child-led learning
- Qualified at Level 3 (or excited to work towards)
Early Years Practitioner in Reading employer: St Edward’s Prep Ltd
St Edward’s Prep is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for Early Years Practitioners to thrive. With a strong family ethos and a commitment to professional development, employees benefit from outstanding learning resources, collaborative teamwork, and clear career progression opportunities. Join us in shaping joyful, discovery-rich experiences for children while enjoying generous benefits such as paid leave, complimentary lunches, and access to fully funded apprenticeships.
