Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner

Woodbridge Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the development and well-being of children aged 2-5 in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: Melton Primary School and Nursery is a warm, inclusive school dedicated to fostering enthusiastic learners.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, robust wellbeing support, and a new nursery building coming in 2026.
  • Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while working in a friendly, innovative team.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and GCSEs in Maths and English required.
  • Other info: Join us in picturesque Woodbridge and help shape the future of our curious learners.

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Join to apply for the Early Years Practitioner role at Suffolk Jobs Direct

  • Address: Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1PG
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 3.30pm, 38 weeks per year
  • Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
  • Reference: 7761

Job Description

  • Melton Primary School and Nursery
  • Address: Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1PG
  • Salary: £15.08 – £16.93 per hour (£29,093 – £32,654 pro rata)
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 3.30pm, 38 weeks per year
  • Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
  • Reference: 7761

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Early Years Practitioner with a level 3 or above to join our friendly team. As an Early Years Practitioner, you will play a crucial role in providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children to learn and grow. Your main responsibility will be to support the development and well-being of children aged 2-5 years old.

Your responsibilities:

  • to work as part of the Early Years team to plan and implement age-appropriate activities to promote cognitive, physical, social and emotional development
  • create a safe and inclusive learning environment
  • provide individualised care and support to meet the unique needs of each child
  • collaborate with parents and carers to ensure open communication and partnership in their child\’s learning journey
  • monitor and assess children\’s progress
  • foster positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
  • adhere to health, safety, and hygiene standards at all times.

You will need:

  • a minimum of a level 3 ‘full and relevant’ Early Years qualification
  • grade C/4+ Mathematics and English at GCSE level
  • previous experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting
  • knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education (teachers are also welcome to apply)
  • strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • the ability to work effectively as part of a team, building relationships quickly with others
  • to show resilience and be adaptable
  • patience, empathy, and a genuine love for working with children.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young children and have the qualifications and skills required for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Woodbridge, Melton Primary School and Nursery is a thriving one-form entry primary school with a current population of 176 children. Our school is a warm, inclusive environment dedicated to nurturing curious, thoughtful, and enthusiastic learners. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive atmosphere where every child can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

We will offer you:

  • enthusiastic and well-behaved children
  • a new nursery building (from September 2026)
  • strong focus on knowledge, skills, and mental health
  • supportive leadership and innovative staff culture
  • robust wellbeing support for all staff
  • embedded safeguarding and inclusion practises.

To find out more

Please read the Job Description (pdf) and Application Guidance (word)

Interested candidates can explore more about our fabulous school and nursery by visiting our Facebook Page: \’Melton Primary School and Nursery\’ or Learning about our Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Platinum Award at Top marks awarded to Melton Primary playground project – BBC News

To visit the school and meet the team, please call our school office on 01394 382506 or email admin@melton.suffolk.sch.uk

How To Apply

Please complete the Application Form (word) and email to admin@melton.suffolk.sch.uk

Closing date: 9 am, 18 September 2025.

Melton Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

About The Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

To apply , please follow the application process detailed above.

This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form.

The ‘Apply Now’ button below only allows you to submit a job alert, not an online application.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Entry level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Education and Training

  • Industries

    Government Administration

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Early Years Practitioner employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct

Melton Primary School and Nursery is an exceptional employer located in the charming town of Woodbridge, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Early Years Practitioners. With a strong focus on staff wellbeing, innovative leadership, and opportunities for professional growth, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to nurturing young learners. The school prides itself on fostering positive relationships and providing robust support, ensuring that every employee can thrive both personally and professionally.
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Contact Detail:

Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understanding this will not only help you in your role but also show your commitment to early childhood education during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with the local community and parents. Building relationships with families can demonstrate your dedication to creating a supportive environment for children, which is crucial for this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Visit Melton Primary School and Nursery if possible. Meeting the team and seeing the environment first-hand can give you valuable insights and help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on best practices in early childhood education. Being knowledgeable about current trends and techniques can set you apart from other candidates and show your passion for the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Early Years Qualification
Knowledge of Child Development Principles
Experience in Childcare or Educational Settings
Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Ability to Work Effectively as Part of a Team
Patience and Empathy
Adaptability and Resilience
Planning and Implementing Age-Appropriate Activities
Monitoring and Assessing Children's Progress
Creating Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments
Collaboration with Parents and Carers
Understanding of Health, Safety, and Hygiene Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Early Years Practitioner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with young children, particularly in educational or childcare settings. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to create a nurturing and stimulating environment.

Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your level 3 or above Early Years qualification and any relevant GCSEs in Mathematics and English. This will help establish your eligibility for the role right from the start.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that expresses your passion for early childhood education. Discuss why you want to work at Melton Primary School and Nursery and how you can contribute to their mission of nurturing curious and enthusiastic learners.

How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct

✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education

Make sure to express your genuine love for working with children during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted young children's lives in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Child Development

Be prepared to discuss child development principles and best practices in early childhood education. Highlight any relevant experiences or training that showcase your understanding of how children learn and grow.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various situations in a nursery setting. Think of examples where you successfully managed challenges or supported children's individual needs.

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills

Since collaboration with parents and colleagues is crucial, be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share how you've built positive relationships in past roles and how you plan to communicate effectively with families at Melton Primary School and Nursery.

Early Years Practitioner
Suffolk Jobs Direct
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