Early Years Practitioner - 0420-26-R2

Lancaster University; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Lancaster University’s Pre-School Centre at Bailrigg is seeking an Early Years Practitioner. Join a vibrant team delivering high-quality early years education in a setting with strong Ofsted outcomes.

We offer full-time (36.5 hours) or part-time roles for candidates with Level 3 childcare qualifications, focusing on a nurturing, safe space for children to learn and grow across approximately 50 weeks.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 childcare qualification.
• Full-time (36.5 hours) or part-time hours available.
• Experience in early years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage with children through a wide range of learning activities.
• Create a stimulating and safe environment for children to explore, learn and grow.
• Support colleagues within the Pre-School Centre team.

Skills

Customer service

Reliability

Learning willingness

Team flexibility

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Is this the job for you?

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: Friday 25 September 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: 0420-26-R2

Pre-School Centre

We are seeking applicants for Early Years Practitioners roles. Full Time (36.5 hours) and Part-Time hours available for candidates who already hold a Level 3, full and relevant Childcare qualification.

We want great people to work with our children and their families.

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. We want you to be part of that team! Take a look at the facilities here: https://youtu.be/81Aw-nL95qo

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. Lancaster University provides an environment that strongly supports the needs of each employee, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

We Offer a Comprehensive Package Of Benefits Including

• 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 about more of our employee benefits on our website - https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.

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