Practitioner

During term time, the role involves planning and leading appropriate activities for children aged from 2-4 years old in Preschool and 2-11 years old in After School Club. You will play an active role in supporting Key Workers with their Key Children and assisting with daily routines and interventions to support children's learning and development.

Out of term time you will work alongside other Early Years Practitioners and Playworkers to run our popular Holiday Club with fun activities, trips and experiences to engage the children.

Do you enjoy the excitement and unpredictability that comes with working in childcare?

Are you passionate about giving children the best possible start in life?

Are you committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of the children in your care?

We are looking for an Early Years Practitioner (minimum Level 3 qualified) to join our small, friendly team running a busy Preschool and After School Club in the village of Dunnington, just outside York.

ABOUT THE JOB

- The ability to sing in tune is not necessary, however the ability to sing out of tune in front of a crowd is essential.
- A high level of patience is important. If something would normally take 5 minutes to achieve, you must be comfortable with it taking a little person 15 minutes or longer.
- You must not take yourself too seriously and must be prepared to make a fool of yourself daily whilst dressing up, dancing and singing with the children.
- Pretending to eat playdough creations realistically is crucial.
- The ability to remember the names of many children, their parents, siblings, grandparents, pets, and special soft toys is a key component of this job.
- You must have the ability to read a ten-page story book with at least one interruption per page.
- Authentically showing an interest in the many passions and interests of children aged 2-11 which can vary from naming all of the Disney princesses to theories about the Titanic.
- You must be prepared to have a lot of fun in the workplace. Laughter is something you can expect to engage in for a large part of your working day.
- Finally, you must be prepared to feel loved, special, and important to many young children and their families. There is simply no other job quite like this one., Hold a minimum Level 3 or equivalent qualification in Early Years Childcare
- Have a good working knowledge of the principles of EYFS and Birth to 5 Matters
- Have experience working in a childcare setting
- Hold a valid Enhanced DBS

It is also desirable for applicants to have a current Paediatric First Aid certificate, up-to-date Safeguarding Training and Level 2 Food Hygiene, although this training could be provided if required.

Please note that the successful applicant will be subject to Enhanced DBS checks and asked to provide two satisfactory references and verification of your right to work in the UK so you must be able and willing to provide these.

Salary: National Minimum Wage plus an uplift based on qualifications and experience at the end of a successful Probationary Period., In addition to a salary of National Minimum Wage (plus 2% at the end of a successful Probationary Period), 28 days annual leave and a 3% employer contribution to your pension; the successful applicant will receive an attractive staff benefits package including:
- Free wraparound childcare for your own school age child/ren for the duration of your employment
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Free, on-site parking
- Yearly flu jab voucher
- Funded CPD opportunities, Level 3 Qualified Early Years Practitioner - 30 hrs per week
2026-04-23T15:03:19