Early Years Practitioner

St Edward’s Prep Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding CPD opportunities

5% employer pension

Means-tested staff discount

Complimentary lunches

25 days paid leave + bank holidays

Job summary

St Edward’s Prep Ltd in Reading is seeking an Early Years Practitioner to join our thriving EYFS team. You will provide high-quality care and education for children aged 2–5, in a warm, discovery-rich environment that supports child-led learning and strong relationships with families.

The role is permanent, with term-time or year-round hours. Level 3 in Early Years Education is required, and the salary is £14.00 per hour or £29,120 per year.

Qualifications

• Provide care and education for children aged 2–5.
• Plan engaging, play-based learning experiences.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Collaborate to maintain outstanding EYFS provision.
• Contribute to a joyful, curiosity-driven learning culture.
• Qualified at Level 3 (or willing to pursue).

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional care and education for children aged 2–5.
• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Work collaboratively to maintain our outstanding EYFS provision.
• Contribute to a joyful, curiosity-driven learning culture.

Skills

Play-based learning

Relational/nurturing

Team collaboration

Education

Level 3 Early Years Education

Job description

Are you passionate about early childhood education and ready to make a meaningful difference every single day? We are seeking a caring, skilled Early Years Practitioner to join our warm and thriving EYFS team in our outstanding independent prep school. St Edward’s Prep is a warm, nurturing school with a strong family ethos. For over 70 years we have provided a safe, happy environment where children develop confidence, curiosity and a genuine love of learning. Our EYFS team plays a central role in shaping these foundations, and we are looking for someone who shares our belief that joyful, discovery-rich early years experiences make all the difference. If you believe in play-rich learning, nurturing relationships, child-led exploration and a truly discovery-based EYFS atmosphere, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours, Salary & Benefits

Hours: Permanent, term-time or year-round position available.

Level 3 in Early Years Education required.

Salary: £14.00 ph / £29,120.00 pa

• Outstanding learning environments
• Exceptional CPD opportunities
• 5% employer pension
• Means-tested staff discount
• Complimentary lunches
• 25 days paid leave + bank holidays pa
• Access to the group's counselling scheme
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships
• Discretionary Christmas stand down

Start Date: As soon as possible

Why Join Us?

A Beautiful, Well-Resourced, Inspiring Environment

Enjoy thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces that allow you to bring high-quality early years practice to life. Wellbeing, creativity and curiosity sit at the heart of our provision.

A Supportive, Collaborative Team

You’ll join an experienced, nurturing EYFS team where your ideas are valued and your wellbeing matters. We work closely together and share a strong commitment to exceptional early years education.

Clear, Genuine Career Progression

• Opportunities to develop expertise (Outdoor Learning, Literacy, Drawing Club, SEN etc.)
• Access to high-quality whole-school professional development
• Support for furthering qualifications
• The chance to take on leadership responsibilities for the right candidate, should a position arise

A Setting That Values Your Expertise

Our strong family ethos and supportive leadership culture mean you’ll be a valued member of a community that celebrates creativity, teamwork and professional growth. You’ll be trusted, supported and encouraged to bring your best ideas to the children you work with every day.

About the Role

• Provide exceptional care and education for children aged 2–5
• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families
• Work collaboratively to maintain our outstanding EYFS provision
• Contribute to a joyful, curiosity-driven learning culture

Who We're Looking For

• Passionate about Early Years and child development
• Warm, nurturing and relational
• Creative, reflective and enthusiastic
• Confident with play-based and child-led learning
• Qualified at Level 3 (or excited to work towards)

Please read the candidate pack attached for full job description