Early Years Practitioner

Operam Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Operam Education is recruiting a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner for a welcoming Barnet primary school to join the Nursery and Reception team on a long‑term basis, with a genuine view to permanent for the right person. You’ll work alongside the EYFS teacher and supportive practitioners, leading small group activities and contributing to assessment.

You will support continuous provision indoors and out, care routines and independence, and build warm relationships with parents.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years / Childcare (CACHE, NNEB, EYE or equivalent) — essential.
• Experience with children aged 0-5, ideally in a school or nursery setting.
• DBS on Update Service or willingness to apply for a new one.
• Two references covering the last two years of employment.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of the EYFS framework across Nursery and Reception.
• Lead focused activities with individuals and small groups, indoors and outdoors.
• Observe, record and contribute to assessment.
• Support children's personal care, wellbeing, routines and independence.
• Work closely with the class teacher and children with additional needs as required.
• Help create a stimulating, safe and well-organised learning environment.
• Build warm, professional relationships with parents and carers.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team player

Patience

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years / Childcare

Job description

The role A welcoming primary school inBarnet is looking for a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join their Nursery and Reception team on a long‑term basis, with a genuine view to permanent for the right person. You'll be working alongside the EYFS teacher and a supportive team of practitioners, leading small group work, supporting continuous provision indoors and out, and playing a key part in the day‑to‑day care and development of children aged 3-5. The school has a strong, play‑based ethos, an established EYFS lead who invests in her team, and excellent outdoor provision. They are looking for someone who wants to stay and grow with them, not just cover a gap.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the delivery of the EYFS framework across Nursery and Reception
• Leading focused activities with individuals and small groups, indoors and outside
• Observing, recording and contributing to assessment.
• Supporting children’s personal care, wellbeing, routines and independence
• Working closely with the class teacher and, where needed, with children who have additional needs
• Helping to create a stimulating, safe and well‑organised learning environment
• Building warm, professional relationships with parents and carers

What we’re looking for

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years / Childcare (CACHE, NNEB, EYE or equivalent) — essential
• Experience working with children in the 0-5 age range, ideally within a school or nursery setting
• Sound understanding of the EYFS framework and how young children learn through play
• Warm, patient and proactive, with genuine energy for early years
• Strong communication skills and a real team‑player approach
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for a new one
• Two references covering the last two years of employment

What’s on offer

• Long‑term role with a clear route to permanent
• A friendly, well‑led EYFS team and a school that genuinely supports its support staff
• Access to CPD and training, including [safeguarding / Team Teach / phonics] where relevant
• A dedicated consultant who knows the school and will support you throughout the placement

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and committed to creating accessible opportunities across education.

As part of our registration process, you’ll need an enhanced DBS check and we’ll need to see and copy your original qualifications before any placement. Teaching roles require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.