Early Years Practitioner (Hillside Primary School)

Stoke-on-Trent City Council; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing professional training

Supportive working environment

Ambition for all children

Job summary

Hillside Primary School is seeking a dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our new 2-year-old provision. You will help create a safe, warm, and stimulating environment where two-year-olds can play, learn and grow with confidence.

Working within the EYFS framework, you will build strong relationships with children and families, plan engaging activities, observe progress, and contribute to a supportive, inclusive team that prioritises safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare or equivalent (e.g., NVQ Level 3, CACHE).
• Experience working with 2-year-olds in a professional childcare setting.
• Sound understanding of EYFS framework and development at age two.
• Excellent communication, patience and a positive, gentle approach to behaviour management.
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Care and support for every child in a high-standard environment.
• Build strong relationships with children and families, acting as a main point of contact.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate learning activities following EYFS.
• Observe and record children’s progress through regular assessments.
• Maintain a clean, safe indoor and outdoor play area.
• Work closely with colleagues, leaders and parents to support diverse needs.
• Promote the school’s values and ethos in all aspects of school life.

Skills

Excellent communication

Patience

Positive behaviour approach

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare

Job description

We are looking for a caring and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our dedicated team in our new specialised 2-year-old provision. You will help create a safe, warm, and stimulating environment where two-year-olds can play, learn and grow with confidence.

Are you passionate about making a difference in children’s learning? Do you have the skills to support and inspire pupils in a warm and inclusive environment? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Hillside Primary School is a friendly and welcoming primary school where every child is valued and encouraged to achieve their best. We are seeking a dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our team to help provide high-quality learning support in our new 2 year old provision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Care and Support: Provide high standards of physical, emotional, and social care for every child.
• Key Person Role: Build strong relationships with children and their families, acting as a main point of contact.
• Activity Planning: Plan and deliver fun, age-appropriate learning activities that follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
• Observation: Track and record children’s progress through regular observations and developmental assessments.
• Safe Environment: Maintain a clean, secure, and organized indoor and outdoor play area.
• Teamwork: Work closely with colleagues, leaders and parents to support children with diverse needs.
• Culture: Promote the school’s values and ethos in all aspects of school life.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Qualification: Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare or equivalent (e.g., NVQ Level 3, CACHE).
• Experience: Previous experience working with 2-year-olds in a professional childcare setting.
• Knowledge: Sound understanding of the EYFS framework and child development at age two.
• Skills: Excellent communication, patience, and a positive, gentle approach to behavior management.
• Checks: Must be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

What We Offer:

• Ongoing professional training and career development.
• A supportive and friendly working environment.
• A team with ambition for all children, who are challenged to do their absolute best

Hillside Primary School is committed to safeguarding of children and welfare of young people and expects all its employees to share this commitment.

DBS Checks

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Amendment Order 1986 and, as such, it will be necessary for a Submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Asylum and Immigration

To comply with Asylum and Immigration legislation you will be required (if appointed) to provide one or more documents from the Immigration Act 2006 - List A and B. You must provide proof of current and valid permission to be in the United Kingdom and valid permission to do the type of work offered. Further information is available at: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/

We recommend you peruse our website, which is available at www.hillsideprimary.org.uk as it contains a plethora of information about our school.

We warmly welcome and encourage visits to the school. Please contact the school office to make a mutually convenient time and date for your visit.

Closing date Friday 13th November 2026