Early Years Educator

Cognita Schools; Ashtead; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Free lunch (Term Time)

School holidays

Free parking

School fee discount

Exclusive discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Cognita Schools, Little Downsend Ashtead, invites applications for an experienced Early Years Educator to join our caring team. You will support young children’s learning, welfare and development in a warm, inclusive setting with small group sizes to foster confidence and curiosity.

Hours: 3 days per week, 52 weeks per year. Fixed-term contract 01.01.2027–31.08.2027, with potential earlier start. A Level 3 EYFS qualification and safeguarding commitment are essential.

Qualifications

• Candidate must hold Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent.
• Experience in nursery, pre-school or school setting.
• Understanding of child development and EYFS framework.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare.

Responsibilities

• Support education, welfare and personal development of young children.
• Deliver high-quality learning experiences in a caring environment.
• Promote positive behaviour and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in school events.
• Contribute to wraparound care provision.

Skills

Experience with young children

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

About the School - Little Downsend, Ashtead

Little Downsend Ashtead is the perfect place for little learners to begin their exciting adventures. Based on a lovely quiet leafy street, in a large Victorian house, Little Downsend Ashtead has a warm and cosy feeling about it that children and parents both love. Children here are happy and settled, gently introduced to playful learning and socialising by a team of dedicated qualified teachers. Class sizes are deliberately small, so even from the very beginning, we can provide children with the very best start, encouraging them to explore the world around them.

At each of our Little Downsend schools we instil the same nurture, innovation, love of life, dynamic energy and high standards, supported by experienced and passionate teachers.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years Educator to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

About the Role

Hours: 3 days per week, flexible working hours.

Employment type: Part-time, 52 weeks per year, Fixed-term contract, 01.01.2027-31.08.2027, possibly earlier start date.

As an Early Years Educator at Little Downsend, you will play a vital role in supporting the education, welfare and personal development of young children within a caring, inclusive and engaging environment. You will work closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality learning experiences that encourage children to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. In this rewarding role, you will support children's daily learning and wellbeing, provide personal care when required, promote positive behaviour and help create a safe, stimulating and well‑organised setting where every child can thrive. You will build strong professional relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues, contribute to wraparound care provision and participate in school events, training and professional development activities. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children will be at the heart of everything you do, ensuring that each child feels supported, valued and able to reach their full potential.

Who We Are Looking For

You will hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) and have experience working with young children in a nursery, pre-school or school setting. You will have a strong understanding of child development and be passionate about delivering high-quality early years education and care. You will be a positive and caring individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work collaboratively as part of a team and build effective relationships with children and families. You will also be confident supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing, promoting positive behaviour and maintaining a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment. A strong commitment to safeguarding is essential, along with the ability to manage priorities effectively and contribute positively to the wider nursery community. Knowledge of the EYFS framework and experience working with children aged 0–2 years would be advantageous.

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Enrolment in our company's pension scheme
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• School holidays and public holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability)
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Ongoing professional development

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.