Early Years Practitioner – Level 3

About Wingham Pre-School

Wingham Pre-School is a friendly, community-focused early years setting based in Wingham Village Hall. We provide a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing environment where young children can learn, play and develop through high-quality early years experiences.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and caring Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join our small and supportive team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young children and wants to contribute to a positive, child-centred pre-school environment.

About the role

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will work as part of our team to provide high-quality care, learning and development opportunities for children aged 2–5 years.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting children’s learning and development through play and planned activities.
• Building warm, positive and respectful relationships with children.
• Supporting children’s individual needs, interests and development.
• Contributing to observations, assessments and planning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment.
• Working positively with colleagues, parents and carers.
• Following the setting’s policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety and confidentiality.
• Supporting children with routines such as meals, toileting, dressing and personal care where required.
• Contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the pre-school.
• Promoting equality, inclusion and positive behaviour.
• Maintaining a professional approach and contributing to a positive team culture.
• Please note this is a pack-away setting, which means you are expected to help set up the space in the morning and put everything away at the end of the working day.

Essential requirements

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification or another full and relevant qualification recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) for working in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Applicants with an equivalent qualification should be able to demonstrate that their qualification is included on, or recognised under, the DfE list of approved/full and relevant qualifications.
• Has a genuine interest in supporting young children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Has good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is able to work effectively as part of a small team.
• Is reliable, organised and able to take responsibility.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Is committed to providing an inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported.
• Is willing to undertake relevant training and ongoing professional development.

References and safeguarding

As part of our safer recruitment process, at least two professional references will be required. These will be requested following interview and before an appointment is confirmed.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the appropriate DBS and safeguarding checks and provide evidence of their qualifications and right to work, in line with our recruitment procedures.

Working pattern and pay

Approximately 20 hours per week, term time only.

The hourly rate is £12.97 per hour. Although the role is term time only, salary will be paid evenly throughout the year, including the school holiday periods, rather than only during weeks worked.

The exact working pattern will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Important eligibility requirement

To support our safeguarding and professional boundaries, the successful candidate must not be a parent/carer whose child currently attends Wingham Pre-School. This is because all the children interact as a whole group and not in separate rooms.

Closing date: 31 October 2026

Please note that applications will be reviewed and interviews may be held on a rolling basis, so we may appoint before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

Wingham Pre-School CIO is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From £12.97 per hour

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• do you have a level 3 qualification in early years education?

Work Location: In person