Early Years Educator – Full Time – Tonbridge

Catering; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Catering in Tonbridge is seeking an Early Years Educator to join our team. You will oversee a key group of children, supporting development and wellbeing within EYFS guidelines. You’ll plan engaging activities, monitor progress and maintain records to reflect each child’s growth.

The role requires a warm, patient, and proactive approach, with strong teamwork and safeguarding commitments. A permanent position with daytime hours in a nurturing setting awaits.

Qualifications

• Early Years NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for a key group of children within the staff-to-child ratio.
• Plan engaging experiences promoting development and curiosity.
• Promote positive behaviour and develop social skills.
• Maintain daily routines and records using the setting’s online system.
• Record developmental observations linked to EYFS statements.
• Prepare termly reports on development and attainment.
• Ensure children are safe, happy and included.
• Develop relationships with children, parents and carers.
• Act as buddy/key person to ensure continuity of care.
• Communicate updates to parents and carers.
• Attend to dietary, allergy and medical needs.
• Work with the wider team; follow health and safety policies.
• Contribute to the ethos and values of the setting.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Child development

Nurturing approach

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Safeguarding

Confidentiality

Health & safety

Professional conduct

Positive attitude

Education

Early Years NVQ Level 3

GCSE English & Maths (4+)

Job description

Early Years Educator

Hours: 35-40 hours per week
Salary: £14.00 per hour
Reporting to: Room Lead

About the Role

We are seeking an energetic, enthusiastic and committed Early Years Educator to join our early years team.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for a key group of children within the appropriate staff-to-child ratio, supporting their individual development, learning and wellbeing.

You will have a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, safeguarding and effective practice within an early years setting. You will work collaboratively with colleagues to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for a key group of children within the appropriate staff-to-child ratio, supporting their individual development, learning and wellbeing.
• Plan and support engaging experiences that promote children’s development and encourage curiosity, confidence and a positive attitude towards learning.
• Promote positive behaviour and support children to develop positive relationships and social skills.
• Maintain accurate daily routines and longer-term developmental, observational and pastoral records using the setting’s online management system.
• Record and update developmental observations, linking these to the relevant EYFS developmental statements and Characteristics of Effective Learning.
• Prepare termly written reports on the development, progress and attainment of key children within agreed deadlines.
• Ensure all children in your care are safe, happy, well cared for and fully included in the life of the setting.
• Develop positive, professional and trusting relationships with children, parents and carers.
• Act as a buddy/key person where required, helping to provide continuity and consistency of care across the room.
• Communicate relevant information, incidents and updates appropriately and professionally to parents and carers.
• Be attentive to individual children’s needs during mealtimes, including dietary requirements, allergies and medical needs, ensuring relevant information is kept up to date.
• Work effectively as part of the wider early years team and communicate relevant information to colleagues and senior staff.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene and cleanliness at all times, following relevant policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• Contribute positively to the ethos, values and culture of the setting.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.

Essential Qualifications

• Early Years NVQ Level 3 or above, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• GCSE Grade 4 or above, or equivalent, in English and Mathematics.

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification.
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate.

Skills, Experience and Personal Attributes

• A good understanding of the EYFS curriculum and child development.
• The ability to create a happy, stimulating, challenging and effective learning environment.
• A positive, nurturing and child-centred approach.
• The ability to encourage and inspire children’s enthusiasm for learning.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively and positively as part of a team.
• A proactive, flexible and positive "can-do" attitude.
• Warmth, patience and the ability to build positive relationships with children, colleagues, parents and carers.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality and professional conduct.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of health, safety, hygiene and cleanliness.
• A willingness to contribute positively to the overall ethos and values of the setting.

Salary: £14/hour

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Tonbridge, Kent