Relief Early Years Practitioner

Location: Bournemouth

Employment type: Zero hours

Hourly rate: £12.71 – £13.00 per hour

About us: YMCA Bournemouth is a part of a global organisation making a real difference at a local level in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. We are dedicated to creating inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking services that address the needs of our community. Our work spans key areas such as Housing and Support, Family and Relationships, Youth Work, Training and Education, and Health and Wellbeing, all with the aim of enabling individuals to reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit.

About the position: We are looking for a Relief Early Years Practitioner to join our team and contribute to the care, learning and development of all children who attend the preschool and holiday club sessions. Teddy’s is a highly regarded early years setting in BH7, which supports children in the years before they are due to go to school. Our recent OFSTED inspection (September 2025) recognised the work of the team in delivering a child-led learning environment, where children’s interests guide learning, and that their approach supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities exceptionally well. As part of the role, you will work within the preschool ensuring an accessible, inclusive environment where all children thrive and achieve their potential.

This role will involve:

• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with children and families
• Promoting high standards of learning for children
• Working as part of a close, committed team to ensure that safeguarding and child protection is at the forefront of all you do

What we’re looking for: You will be a passionate and motivated individual who is driven by our mission to empower individuals and create stronger communities.

Skills and competencies:

• Able to demonstrate a strong, holistic knowledge of child development
• Able to observe and support all children on their individual journey

Personal attributes:

• Enthusiastic, proactive and committed to sharing our passion to improve the outcomes for children and families
• Able to communicate effectively to a range of audiences, showing empathy and understanding
• Committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families

Qualifications and experience:

• NVQ (L3) or equivalent childcare qualification (essential)
• Foundation in safeguarding (L2) (essential)
• GCSE English and Maths or equivalent (desirable)
• Evidence of SEN training or experience (desirable)
• Paediatric first aid certificate (desirable)

If you’re a motivated team player who shares our values and wants to be part of a supportive, impactful organisation, we’d love to hear from you!

Why join YMCA Bournemouth?

• Contribute to meaningful services and make a lasting, positive impact
• Join a passionate and supportive team that shares commitment to make positive change and build stronger communities
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to help you expand your skills and make an impact in your role
• Enjoy a range of benefits including a competitive pension contribution, free access to YMCA Bournemouth’s counselling service, discounted gym memberships and café discounts. Plus, enjoy discounts on holiday activity clubs, children’s parties, preschool services, and room, facility and minibus hire. Please note that employee benefits are subject to change.

Additional information:

• The role has a statutory, occupational requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that they may come across using our services. The post holder will take responsibility for ensuring safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk as a priority and follow both YMCA Bournemouth safeguarding policy and BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership and Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership statutory guidance.
• Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. If the role involves regulated activity with children or adults at risk, your employment will be subject to an Enhanced level DBS check prior to commencement date. All other applicable roles will be subject to a Basic level DBS check prior to commencement date.
• The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the active promotion of equal opportunity, both in the provision of services and as an employer of paid and unpaid workers.
• If you have a disability and require any adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, or within employment, please contact us directly.
• Please note we do not offer sponsorship opportunities with employment. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and provide appropriate documentation as required.

HOW TO APPLY: Please complete a YMCA Bournemouth application form via the YMCA Bournemouth website. The CLICK TO APPLY link can be found attached to the job advert.