Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Blenheim Schools; Essex; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakfields Preparatory School, part of Blenheim Schools, seeks a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to support 2-5 year olds at Oakfields Prep. Salary starts at £21,781.76 per year, with term-time hours (8.00am–4.00pm) from Monday to Friday and a fixed-term contract.

The role focuses on nurturing, play-based learning under EYFS and building strong family partnerships. Join a caring nursery team that values ideas, development and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) is required.
• Experience in an EYFS setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and learning through play.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Positive, proactive and nurturing approach.
• Commitment to outstanding care and education.
• Passion for helping every child reach their potential.

Responsibilities

• Create stimulating learning experiences aligned with the EYFS framework.
• Support children's development through play, exploration and discovery.
• Build strong relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Help children develop confidence, independence and social skills.
• Observe, record and celebrate children's progress and achievements.
• Support enriching indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for every child.
• Promote safeguarding, health and wellbeing at all times.

Skills

Excellent communication and teamwork

Positive, proactive, nurturing

Education

Level 3 EY qualification (or above)

Job description

Lead the Past. Influence the Future

Job Title: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Location: Oakfields Prep, Harwood Hall Lane, RM14 2YG
Salary: From £21,781.76 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm
Contract: Fixed Term Term Time

About the School

Oakfields Preparatory School is an independent day school located in Upminster, where tradition meets dynamism, creating an extraordinary pathway of opportunities for students aged 3 to 11.

At Oakfields, we prioritise small class sizes and provide a nurturing and stimulating environment. We are dedicated to delivering a bespoke and enriched curriculum tailored to each student's needs. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond academics; we prioritise the holistic development of each student, fostering their caring nature and building confidence.

We offer an energetic and diverse range of extra-curricular activities and enrichment programmes aimed at increasing learning opportunities for all students, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Role Purpose

Are you a passionate Level 3 Early Years Practitioner looking for a role where you can truly make an impact every day?

We're looking for a caring, energetic and enthusiastic practitioner to join our friendly nursery team, supporting children aged 2-5 during one of the most important stages of their development. Every interaction, every activity and every achievement matters, and you'll play a key role in helping children build the confidence, curiosity and skills they need to thrive.

This is more than a nursery role. It's an opportunity to nurture young learners, create exciting learning experiences, and be part of a team that genuinely values your ideas, development and wellbeing.

Please note- Optional additional hours available in our Holiday Club to increase income.

What you will be doing

• Creating stimulating and engaging learning experiences aligned with the EYFS framework.
• Supporting children's development through play, exploration and discovery.
• Building strong relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Helping children develop confidence, independence and social skills.
• Observing, recording and celebrating children's progress and achievements.
• Supporting enriching indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
• Maintaining a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for every child.
• Promoting safeguarding, health and wellbeing at all times.

What you will bring

We're looking for someone who brings warmth, enthusiasm and a genuine love for Early Years education.

• A Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) required.
• Experience working within an EYFS setting.
• A strong understanding of child development and learning through play.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive, proactive and nurturing approach.
• A commitment to providing outstanding care and education.
• A passion for helping every child reach their full potential.

Desirable

• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Additional Early Years training or specialist areas of interest.

About Blenheim Schools

Blenheim Schools is a growing family of innovative, high-quality independent schools committed to enabling outstanding futures for every student. Our ethos centres on truly understanding each child, their talents, character and aspirations by providing a personalised, ambitious education that helps every child to thrive.

We deliver a broad, enriching curriculum supported by tailored teaching and exceptional pastoral care. We celebrate individuality, nurture confidence and champion every learner so they can discover their strengths and achieve their potential.

Joining Blenheim Schools means becoming part of a collaborative, forward-thinking community that values creativity, inclusion and professional growth. Our teams are united by a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and by a commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for students and families.

We are proud to be part of OFG Education, which in 2025 was officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.