Early Years Practitioner NEW

Wishford Schools; Reading; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% employer pension

Means-tested staff discount

Complimentary lunches

25 days paid leave + bank holidays pa

Access to counselling scheme

Fully funded apprenticeships

Job summary

Wishford Schools’ St Edward’s Prep in Reading invites an Early Years Practitioner to join our warm EYFS team. You’ll nurture children aged 2–5 in a discovery‑based, play‑rich setting, building confidence and curiosity every day.

We offer term‑time or year‑round contracts, a salary of £14.00 per hour (£29,120 per annum), access to CPD, a 5% employer pension, staff discounts, complimentary lunches and 25 days of leave plus bank holidays. Start date ASAP.

Qualifications

• Level 3 in Early Years Education required.
• Experience with EYFS is beneficial.
• Commitment to child-centred, play-based learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional care and education for children aged 2–5.
• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Work collaboratively to maintain our outstanding EYFS provision.
• Contribute to a joyful, curiosity-driven learning culture.

Skills

Early Years

Play-based learning

Relationship building

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 in Early Years Education

Job description

Are you passionate about early childhood education and ready to make a meaningful difference every single day? We are seeking a caring, skilled Early Years Practitioner to join our warm and thriving EYFS team in our outstanding independent prep school. St Edward’s Prep is a warm, nurturing school with a strong family ethos. For over 70 years we have provided a safe, happy environment where children develop confidence, curiosity and a genuine love of learning. Our EYFS team plays a central role in shaping these foundations, and we are looking for someone who shares our belief that joyful, discovery‑rich early years experiences make all the difference. If you believe in play‑rich learning, nurturing relationships, child‑led exploration and a truly discovery‑based EYFS atmosphere, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours, Salary & Benefits

• Hours: Permanent, term‑time or year‑round position available.
• Level 3 in Early Years Education required.
• Salary: £14.00 ph / £29,120.00 pa
• Outstanding learning environments
• Exceptional CPD opportunities
• 5% employer pension
• Means-tested staff discount
• Complimentary lunches
• 25 days paid leave + bank holidays pa
• Access to the group's counselling scheme
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships
• Discretionary Christmas stand down
• Start Date: As soon as possible

Why Join Us?

A Beautiful, Well‑Resourced, Inspiring Environment Enjoy thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces that allow you to bring high‑quality early years practice to life. Wellbeing, creativity and curiosity sit at the heart of our provision.

A Supportive, Collaborative Team You’ll join an experienced, nurturing EYFS team where your ideas are valued and your wellbeing matters. We work closely together and share a strong commitment to exceptional early years education.

Clear, Genuine Career Progression

• Opportunities to develop expertise (Outdoor Learning, Literacy, Drawing Club, SEN etc.)
• Access to high‑quality whole‑school professional development
• Support for furthering qualifications
• The chance to take on leadership responsibilities for the right candidate, should a position arise

A Setting That Values Your Expertise Our strong family ethos and supportive leadership culture mean you’ll be a valued member of a community that celebrates creativity, teamwork and professional growth. You’ll be trusted, supported and encouraged to bring your best ideas to the children you work with every day.

About the Role:

• Provide exceptional care and education for children aged 2–5
• Plan and deliver engaging, play‑based learning experiences
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families
• Work collaboratively to maintain our outstanding EYFS provision
• Contribute to a joyful, curiosity‑driven learning culture

Who We’re Looking For:

• Passionate about Early Years and child development
• Warm, nurturing and relational
• Creative, reflective and enthusiastic
• Confident with play‑based and child‑led learning
• Qualified at Level 3 (or excited to work towards)

Please read the candidate pack attached for full job description