Early Years Practitioner


Wildflowers Coltishall and Horstead Preschool (rated GOOD by Ofsted October 2024) is a well-established and successfully run childcare setting. The Preschool is a registered charity and is run by a committee group. We offer childcare for children aged 2 to 5 years old and provide government funded places.

Report to: Manager
Responsible to: Preschool management committee – trustees
Job title: Early Years Practitioner

Working hours: 12 hours minimum – term time ONLY

The Early Years Practitioner through best practice will provide a simulating and varied learning environment supporting development through play whilst ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. The early years practitioner will work as part of our team to welcome and support children and their families during their time at our preschool.

  • In order to achieve this, the early years practitioner will:
  • Arrive in good time to help set up the preschool room and outdoors environment.
  • Change nappies, clothes and support children with toileting as required.
  • When required prepare snack and drinks.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of our Wildflowers ethos and become knowledgeable about ‘Planning in the moment.’
  • Play an active part within the team and contribute to the development of the provision on offer at the setting. We value ideas and activities staff may have to share.
  • Value the parents/primary carers as the main educators of their child by working in partnership with them at all times. Families must always be made welcome at the setting.
  • Help to provide a caring environment where children can explore and become the best that they can be.
    Spend time engaging in activities with the children, building and maintaining positive professional relationships.
  • Ensure the children are kept safe within the environment as they play, learn and develop.
  • As a key person support children’s learning by monitoring the children’s development alongside the EYFS development matters by completing observations, assessment and planning.
  • Keep ALL information learned as part of the job CONFIDENTIAL.
  • To read and adhere to all Coltishall and Horstead Preschool policies and procedures.
  • To know and adhere to our code of conduct and safeguarding responsibilities associated with working with young children and families.
  • Be familiar with and abide by all regulations laid down by the Local Authority and other regulatory bodies.
  • Keep up to date with the latest ideas and best practices by attending relevant courses and training days as directed and approved by the Leadership Team.
  • Stay after the children have left to tidy away activities at the end of session, carrying out any outstanding jobs from the day e.g. washing-up, sorting artwork, completing and filing paperwork etc.
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings.
  • Undertaking any reasonable task as instructed by the Leadership Team on the day.
  • To participate in an annual staff review (Appraisal), which will be held at the discretion of the Management Committee.
  • To participate in Supervisions throughout the year (held by Leadership Team).

Additional Responsibilities
Key person.

  • As part of your role within the team you may also be asked to:
  • Attend committee meetings.
  • Take part in any special events, outings and visits.
  • Voluntarily attend fundraising events.

Personal specification

Essential Criteria

  • Hold a full and relevant NVQ Level 3 (or higher) qualification in Child Care & Education or equivalent.
  • Background checks and an enhanced DBS with child barring list will be required. Along with the return of two satisfactory references stating your suitability for the role.
  • Knowledge of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
  • Experience in working with children 5 years of age and under.
  • Must be flexible.
  • Able to work as part of a team and independently.
  • Able to work calmy and effectively under pressure.
  • Have excellent communication skills.
  • Friendly, welcoming and patient.
  • Work with families in a professional manner at all times.
  • Knowledge of Child Protection/ Safeguarding children.
  • Desirable Criteria
    Numeracy equivalent to Maths GCSE/Standard Grade at C/4 or above
    Literacy equivalent to English GCSE/Standard Grade at C/4 or above
    Have previous experience of room lead
    Current Food Hygiene Certificate
    Current Paediatric First Aid Certificate
    Current Child Protection / Safeguarding Certificate
    Awareness of Health and Safety requirements within a preschool setting
    Understanding or appreciation of the importance of equal opportunities in the workplace

Wildflowers Coltishall and Horstead Preschool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and an enhanced DBS with child barring list will be required. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to coltishall.preschool@gmail.com
You can download this job description here.