Early Years Practitioner - Level 3

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

Caterpillars Preschool is hiring an Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly team at the Marks Tey/Colchester site. You will support outdoor learning, follow children’s interests and help create a warm, engaging environment for young children.

The role is part-time and permanent with immediate start and the opportunity to contribute to a thriving, Ofsted-outstanding setting. Salary is £10,000–£11,000 per year, paid on request at our Colchester location.

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC422628-20S Position Type: Early Years Pay Range: 10,000-11,000

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 30/09/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: W/C 5th October 2026

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and hardworking Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly, established team at our Marks Tey setting.

At Caterpillars, no two days are the same. Our days are filled with muddy boots, messy hands, big imaginations, lots of laughter, outdoor adventures and plenty of learning along the way.

We're looking for someone who:

• Loves being outdoors and isn't afraid of a little rain (or a lot!)
• Is creative and imaginative and loves following the children's interests
• Is warm, caring and nurturing, building strong relationships with children and parents
• Has plenty of energy, enthusiasm and a great sense of humour
• Can be flexible and adaptable, knowing that sometimes the best learning happens when you throw the plan out of the window!
• Doesn't mind joining in with songs, dancing, funny voices and a little bit of silliness
• Is happy to get muddy, messy and involved
• Wants to make a real difference to children's lives

Ready to join our Caterpillars family?

Information about the School

Caterpillars is a successful committee-run preschool which has 2 settings. One which has been based in the grounds of Birch Primary School since 2009 and the second setting in Marks Tey which from September 2024 is now based at St. Andrew's CofE Primary School in Mandeville Road.

Caterpillars is thriving with both Marks Tey and Birch settings having been graded Outstanding by Ofsted over its past 3 inspections. Caterpillars enjoys excellent parental support, a dedicated and hardworking team of staff and a well attended committee. Our whole ethos and focus is to provide the best environment we can for the children and we whole heartedly support our staff in achieving this.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Sarah Lawrence
St Andrew's CofE Primary School
Mandeville Road
Marks Tey, Colchester
Essex, CO6 1HL Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Early Years Practitioner

The Colourwheel Montessori, Braintree Closing: 18/09/2026 Midnight