Early Years Practitioner

Supply Desk Ltd; Slough; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Refer a Friend £150

Training & development

Job summary

Supply Desk is seeking an enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join a welcoming school or early years setting in Slough. You will support young children's learning, development and wellbeing, working within the EYFS framework and alongside a caring team.

The role requires a passion for early years, strong communication and teamwork, and a DBS check. Salary is on the MPS/UPS scale with flexible working options and a dedicated education consultant to help guide your career.

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their learning and wellbeing.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with young children and families.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and EYFS desirable.
• Current enhanced DBS or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Support children one-to-one and in small groups to meet individual learning needs.
• Encourage confidence, independence, curiosity and positive relationships.
• Support development in line with the EYFS framework.
• Observe and feed back on learning progress to staff.
• Assist with engaging activities, resources, displays and classroom areas.
• Support personal care, including toileting and feeding as required.
• Promote positive behaviour and social skills.
• Provide emotional and pastoral support to children.
• Collaborate with teachers, Early Years staff and SENCOs.
• Assist with outdoor learning, trips and wider experiences.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized learning environment.
• Follow safeguarding policies at all times.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Teamwork

Relationship building

Education

Relevant Early Years qualification

Job description

Early Years Practitioner

Location: Slough

Contract: Full-time

Salary: MPS / UPS

Start Date: October 2026

Application Closing date: 5th October 2026

About the Role

Are you a caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated Early Years Practitioner looking for your next opportunity? We are seeking a passionate Early Years Practitioner to join a welcoming and supportive school or early years setting, where you will play a key role in supporting young children's learning, development, and wellbeing. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working with young children and is passionate about helping them build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with children on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, supporting their individual learning and development needs.
• Encourage children to develop confidence, independence, curiosity, and positive relationships with others.
• Support children's development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
• Observe children's learning and development and provide feedback to the relevant staff to support their individual progress.
• Assist with planning and preparing engaging activities, learning resources, displays, and classroom areas.
• Support children with their personal care needs, including toileting, handwashing, mealtimes, and other daily routines where required.
• Promote positive behaviour and help children develop appropriate social skills and an understanding of boundaries.
• Provide appropriate emotional and pastoral support, helping children to feel secure, confident, and settled within the setting.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, Early Years staff, SENCOs, parents, and the wider school or nursery team.
• Support children who may have additional needs, including SEND, helping them to access activities and participate fully in the setting.
• Assist with outdoor learning, physical activities, trips, and other wider experiences where required.
• Maintain a clean, organised, safe, and stimulating learning environment.
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are followed at all times.

Requirements

• A genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their learning, development, and wellbeing.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• The ability to build positive and trusting relationships with young children.
• A patient, caring, nurturing, and enthusiastic approach.
• The ability to support children with a range of abilities and individual needs.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to follow instructions effectively.
• A proactive, adaptable, and creative approach to supporting children's learning through play and exploration.
• An understanding of the EYFS framework is desirable.
• An understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• A current enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

What We Offer

• Flexible working to suit your availability.
• Dedicated education consultants who understand your career goals.
• Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £150 collectively.
• Access to training and professional development opportunities.

Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and must be willing to comply with all safeguarding requirements.