Early Years Preschool Practitioner

Suffolk County Council; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee pension scheme

Supportive team environment

Termly treats/ rewards

Job summary

Carlton Colville Preschool is seeking an Early Years Preschool Practitioner to join our small, friendly team. You will act as a key person for 2- to 5-year-olds in a well-resourced setting with indoor and outdoor learning all year round.

We require Level 3 EY qualification, up-to-date EYFS knowledge, and a DBS check with references. You will deliver high-quality learning and care, maintain safeguarding standards, and contribute to outstanding outcomes for children.

Qualifications

• Level 3 early years qualification is essential.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the EYFS.
• DBS check and references required before starting.
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted guidance.
• Strong understanding of child development and how children learn.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high standards of learning, development and care for children aged 2-5 years.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment for all.
• Keep records of children’s development and liaise with staff for best outcomes.
• Keep safeguarding training up to date and follow preschool policies.
• Provide a safe, caring, stimulating environment indoors and outdoors.
• Support EYFS/Ofsted compliance at all times.
• Follow policies for safeguarding and incident handling, with regular training.
• Provide a variety of engaging activities, indoors and outside, supporting individual progress.
• Undertake other duties as needed and represent the setting professionally.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Empathy

Adaptability

Observation

Education

Level 3 early years qualification

Tools

DBS check

Job description

• Carlton Colville Preschool

• Address: Carlton Colville Community Centre, Hall Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 8BT
• Salary: £11.00 - £13.50 per hour
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed Term Contract initially for 1 year, but could be extended
• Reference: 0912

Carlton Colville Preschoolis looking for an Early Years Preschool Practitioner to work as a key person as part of our small, friendly preschool team.

We are a well-resourced setting, with indoor and outdoor learning environments that we use all year round.

Candidates will need to have a good knowledge of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and up to date experience of working with 2 - 5 year olds.

Paediatric first aid, safeguarding and food hygiene certificates will be required but can be completed as part of the role.

Your responsibilities

• To deliver a high standard of learning, development and care for children aged 2-5 years.
• To ensure that the preschool is a safe, welcoming inclusive environment for all children, staff and visitors.
• To keep records of children’s development and liaise with other staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for all children.
• To have up to date safeguarding training and a good understanding of the Preschool’s policies and procedures and a commitment to keep children safe at all times.
• To provide a safe, caring, stimulating educational environment, both indoors and outdoors.
• To help ensure the preschool meets Ofsted Inspection Framework and EYFS requirements at all times.
• To understand and work to preschool policies and procedures, including how to deal with child protection issues appropriately and how to respond to incidents, accidents, complaints and emergencies. Take part in regular safeguarding training to keep knowledge up to date.
• Provide a variety of fun, stimulating activities, both indoors and outside, which ensure each child is making individual progress, and carry out interventions as necessary.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed, in accordance with the preschool aims and objective.
• To represent the setting professionally at all times, maintaining the settings integrity and confidentiality, whilst being open to both giving and receiving feedback.

What you will need

• Level 3 early years qualification is essential.
• Up to date knowledge of the EYFS.
• A DBS check and references will be required prior to working.
• Excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and current Ofsted statutory guidance.
• An excellent understanding of child development and how children learn.
• Good oral and written communication skills with children, parents and other professionals.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Show empathy and inclusive practise at all times, whilst supporting well-being and safety.
• Able to work on own initiative.
• Reliable, enthusiastic and flexible.
• A creative thinker who can think on the spot and adapt in a variety of circumstances.
• Take part and contribute in regular staff meeting, supervisions and training as instructed by management.
• Have some knowledge of ‘In the moment’ planning and how this works to support children’s development.
• Enjoy spending time outside, in all weathers, and appreciate the many benefits of outdoor play.

About us

We are a small-friendly preschool with 2 - 5 year-olds who enjoy learning inside and outside. Supportive management and opportunities to take part in CPD.

Uniform supplied and free parking on site.

What we will offer you

• Employee pension scheme.
• Supportive team environment.
• Termly treats/ rewards.

To find out more

For further information, please call Jo on 07881 825529.

Closing date: 1.00 pm, 30 September 2026.

Interview date: 1 and 2 October 2026.