Early Years Teacher

Salary & Contract

York Steiner School operates a nine-point salary scale. The starting rate will be determined by qualifications and experience. The current rates for this role are £25,000 – £27,000 pro-rata. There are two roles, 0.4FTE and 0.6FTE, on a fixed‑term contract from 3 September 2026 to 31 August 2027. Holidays: 28 days (inclusive of bank holidays) pro‑rata.

Education and Qualifications

• Essential: Experience of working in a Waldorf Kindergarten setting, A-Level 2 or 3 EYE qualification (minimum) as recognised under EYFSA, good general standard of education.
• Desirable: Steiner Waldorf kindergarten training is preferred but not essential. Candidate must be open to CPD and willing to develop their skills and knowledge in this area.

Person Specification

• Reliable, honest, with a good attendance history.
• Understanding of and respecting confidentiality.
• Evidence of competency to work with young children.
• Interest in Anthroposophy.
• Organised and responsible; able to work independently and as part of a close‑knit team.
• Self‑motivated, imaginative, creative, flexible and with a positive attitude.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents and colleagues.
• Ability to cope with pressure.
• Personal commitment to safeguarding and keeping children safe.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a well‑balanced programme of activities for the children according to the Steiner Waldorf curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage, following school planning proformas.
• Ensure the care, health and safety of the children during their time at school.
• Keep written records of children’s progress, including planning, observing and reviewing in keeping with current practice in the department.
• Liaise with the SENDCO regarding any child with SEN.
• Maintain communication with parents, including interviews, home visits and parent evenings.
• Provide written observation and assessment reports that feed into planning and form part of the summative assessment procedure (two reports a year) and contribute to a detailed end‑of‑year report.
• Build a good working relationship with the assistant so that their role in the classroom is effective and supportive.
• Liaise with colleagues in the Early Years Department, attending the weekly meeting from 2–4pm on Thursdays and other meetings as necessary.
• Work with colleagues in the whole school, including the office, and keep them informed of relevant issues, preferably by attending the weekly staff meeting.
• Willing to take on additional roles and responsibilities within the EY department, according to individual experience and expertise.
• Willing to undertake further training where needed.
• Interview new families.
• Oversee the decoration and maintenance of the Kindergarten and its equipment.
• Monitor and keep to agreed budgets.
• Attend training when it is relevant.
• Willing to work with a mentor and to provide mentoring to colleagues, including parent and child group leaders when required.
• Take part in the appraisal of own work performance and assist in the mentoring of colleagues.
• Cover for absent colleagues when required.
• Any other duties as and when required.

Safeguarding

York Steiner School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and passing an enhanced DBS check.

Management and Supervision

The Kindergarten Teacher reports to the Early Years Lead, through them to the School Leadership Group, Headteacher and the Board of Trustees.

Equality

York Steiner School is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring that every job applicant or employee receives equal treatment irrespective of sex, marital status, age, race, nationality, disability, sexuality or religious belief.