Early Years Practitioner - 0420-26-R

Lancaster University; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 23,483 - 28,702; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous employer pension

39 days off a year

Family-friendly

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Lancaster University is seeking an Early Years Practitioner at Bailrigg, Lancaster for a part-time, indefinite role. You’ll support a dynamic Pre‑School Centre that operates about 50 weeks a year, promoting learning through play in a high-quality setting. The position emphasizes reliability, a team ethos, and a commitment to outstanding early years education.

Salary is £26,093 per year for a part-time, indefinite contract. Closing date 31 August 2026.

Qualifications

• Great customer service skills.
• Reliable and hardworking.
• Willing to learn new job-based skills.
• Team-oriented and flexible.

Responsibilities

• Engage with children through a wide range of learning activities and create a stimulating environment.
• Support with daily routines and ensure a safe, welcoming space for learners.
• Turn everyday moments into learning adventures and contribute to outstanding provision at the Pre‑School Centre.

Skills

Customer service

Reliable

Willing to learn

Team oriented

Job description

Are you passionate about working in Early Years and providing quality early years education for the next generation? Do you want to do a job that makes a real difference? Do you want to grow your career and thrive in a dynamic creative work environment where imagination and energy are at the forefront of everything we do?

Early Years Practitioner

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Salary: £26,093 Part time, Indefinite

Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: 0420-26-R

What You’ll Be Doing

The Pre‑School Centre is open approximately 50 weeks of the year with closures at Easter, Christmas, and all Bank Holidays. As an Early Years Practitioner or Support Assistant at Lancaster University, you’ll be an essential part of a fun and dynamic team that fosters a stimulating and safe environment for children to explore, learn, and grow. You'll engage with children through a wide range of valuable learning activities, turning everyday moments into learning adventures.

About You

• great customer service skills
• to be reliable and hard‑working
• a willingness to learn new job‑based skills
• a team‑orientated and flexible approach

Why work with us

Our Pre‑School Centre is awarded Outstanding by Ofsted. Our exceptional teamwork makes real positive change for our children, staff and the environment.

Lancaster University’s main Bailrigg campus is a lovely place to work, combining a busy urban atmosphere while surrounded by green parkland and beautiful seasonal landscaping. We have lots of facilities on‑site such as a sports centre, shops, cafes, a multi‑faith centre, a post office, and a fantastic library. There are numerous clubs, groups, and networks you can join to make friends with like‑minded people.

Benefits

• competitive salary with annual reviews
• generous employer pension scheme
• 39 days off a year which includes University closure days at Easter and Christmas and bank holidays
• a family‑friendly approach to those with parental or caring responsibilities
• additional flexible benefits to suit your needs and interests, some with tax‑savings

Find out more about our employee benefits on our website https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.

For more information, contact the Pre‑School Centre at [e-mail].