Early Years Practitioner

Durham County Council; Consett; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Early Years Practitioner to join their dedicated team. This role involves nurturing children's development in a supportive environment, ensuring they receive the best start in life. The ideal candidate will possess a Level 6 qualification in Childcare and have experience in a nursery setting. You will work closely with a committed staff team to create engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity and enthusiasm in children. Opportunities for professional development and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere await you in this rewarding position.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive staff team

Welcoming environment

Flexible working across key stages

Qualifications

• Level 6 qualification in Childcare or equivalent is essential.
• Experience in a preschool/nursery setting is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care in a stimulating environment.
• Work collaboratively with a team to support children's learning.

Skills

Knowledge of EYFS statutory framework

Effective assessment processes

Excellent communication skills

Caring and empathetic nature

Teamwork

Flexibility in approach

Education

Level 6 in Childcare

Experience in nursery setting

Job description

Early Years Practitioner
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 pro rata
Full Time, Term Time Only
Permanent
Required from September 2025

Shotley Bridge Primary School is a successful village school situated close to the Durham and Northumberland border. We are currently seeking to appoint a Level 6 Early Years Practitioner to join our team.

We are looking for an excellent practitioner with experience of working in a preschool/nursery setting. The successful candidate will be passionate about offering children an environment that encourages them to love learning and promotes our school values.

You will work alongside our large school team to provide a high standard of physical, intellectual, social and emotional care in our welcoming and stimulating environment. Within the school team, you will initially work within a smaller team of staff who are specialised in the EYFS.

The successful candidate will be creative, caring, flexible, imaginative, empathetic and an approachable team player who can also use their initiative. We are looking for someone who will fit within our nurturing and inclusive environment and be able to build trusting relationships with children, parents/carers, colleagues, governors and all other stakeholders.
They will be passionate about all children achieving the best start in life to enable them to reach their full potential and be enthusiastic about providing activities that support children’s learning through curiosity, energy and enthusiasm.

We are looking for a L6 Early Years Practitioner who:
• has excellent knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework
• has knowledge of the Primary National Curriculum
• has a clear understanding of effective assessment processes
• works effectively as part of a team
• demonstrates excellent communication skills
• has a caring and empathetic nature
• demonstrates an enthusiasm and love of learning
• values the relationship between school, parents and the local community and can contribute to the wider school community
• has a flexible approach to work across school and within different key stages if required
We can offer you:
• A dedicated, supportive and welcoming staff team
• Friendly, enthusiastic children
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and support
• A thriving, well-resourced and attractive learning environment.

Essential experience and qualifications: - Level 6 in Childcare (or equivalent) - At least 1 years experience of working within a nursery setting
High level of knowledge around the Early Years Foundation stage, Early Years Outcomes and child development
Knowledge of safeguarding procedures
Satisfactory DBS & references

Desirable experience and qualifications: Experience of working with children with SEN - Paediatric First Aid - Food Hygiene – experience of working within the primary phase.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Visits to the school are strongly encouraged. Please contact the school office on 01207 260444 to arrange a visit with the Headteacher or to request an application pack.

All completed application forms should be returned directly to the school marked for the attention of Mrs C Coombe, or via email to [e-mail]

Applicants are advised that references will be requested on receipt of application and used to aid shortlisting. Please ensure that your nominated references are aware of your application.

Applicants must hold a qualification that meets the approved ‘full and relevant’ criteria for Early Years qualifications and inclusion in staffing ratios.

Closing date: Friday 16th May 2025 at 12 noon
Interview date: Week commencing 19th May 2025

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Calculation of term time only plus two weeks’ pay

Term time only plus two additional weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following:
• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)
Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Shotley Bridge Primary School
Snows Green Road,
Shotley Bridge,
Consett,
DH8 0ES

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.shotleybridgeprimary.durham.sch.uk/

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