Early Years Practitioner

Engage Partners Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Engage Education are recruiting an Early Years Practitioner to join a welcoming Leeds primary school, working across Nursery and Reception.

You will support children's learning through play, with a focus on communication, language, physical development and early reading. The role operates 08:30–15:30, Monday to Friday, Term Time Only, with an ASAP start and a long-term temporary contract.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children in EYFS, nursery or reception.
• Commitment to play-based learning and development.
• Phonics knowledge is desirable.
• Calm, patient, nurturing approach.

Responsibilities

• Support learning across Nursery and Reception.
• Encourage learning through play with structured activities.
• Support communication, language and early literacy development.
• Assist with personal care needs as required.
• Monitor progress and provide feedback to teachers.
• Create a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Phonics support

Child development

Calm and nurturing approach

Education

Level 2/3 Early Years/Childcare qualification

Job description

Early Years Practitioner

Leeds
Primary School Setting | Nursery & Reception
Full-time | Monday to Friday | 08:30am – 15:30pm
Term Time Only
Long-term Temporary Opportunity
ASAP Start

About the Role

Engage Education are currently working in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Leeds who are looking for a passionate and nurturing Early Years Practitioner to join their EYFS team.

The role will involve supporting children across Nursery and Reception, helping them develop their confidence, independence and key early learning skills through a combination of child-led play, structured activities and individualised support.

You will play an important role in creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where children can learn through play and develop at their own pace.

The school also supports children with a range of emerging and identified additional needs, so the ability to provide patient and tailored support to children who may have suspected SEN is particularly important.

Your Responsibilities

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will:

• Support children across Nursery and Reception with their learning and development.
• Encourage learning through play, exploration and engaging activities.
• Support children’s development across key EYFS areas, including communication, language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development.
• Help children develop their fine and gross motor skills through a range of activities.
• Provide additional support to children who may have suspected or identified special educational needs.
• Adapt activities and your approach to meet individual children’s needs and stages of development.
• Support early communication, language and literacy development.
• Assist with phonics activities and early reading where required.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with children, helping them develop confidence and independence.
• Work closely with teachers and other EYFS staff to monitor children’s progress and provide feedback.
• Support with children’s personal care needs, including nappy changing and toileting.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming and stimulating learning environment.

What We’re Looking For

The school is looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience working with young children in an EYFS, nursery, school or childcare setting.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting children’s early development.
• Understands the importance of learning through play.
• Has experience supporting children’s fine and gross motor development.
• Is confident providing additional support to children with emerging or identified SEN.
• Has a calm, patient and nurturing approach.
• Is confident working as part of a wider EYFS team.
• Has experience or an understanding of phonics — this would be highly desirable.
• Is comfortable supporting children’s personal care needs, including nappy changing.
• Is reliable, enthusiastic and committed to providing the best possible experience for young children.

A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification would be beneficial, although relevant hands‑on experience will also be considered.

Why Choose Engage Education?

At Engage Education, we are committed to supporting our staff throughout their education career. When you join us, you will benefit from:

• Pay in line with the Agency Worker Regulations, meaning you will receive the same pay as a permanent employee after the qualifying period.
• Your own dedicated Engage consultant, providing ongoing support and guidance.
• Access to a wide range of free CPD training, delivered by our in‑house team of experienced senior leaders.
• Access to a wide range of education opportunities across Leeds and the surrounding areas.