Pre School Teaching Assistant

Shorefields; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Bishop's Forest Pre School in Rettendon Common near Chelmsford seeks a Level 2 or 3 Early Years Practitioner to join its outdoor forest classroom. The role is part-time, 2 days per week, term-time only, 8:15am to 3:15pm, offering £14 per hour.

You will work in a loving, Froebel-inspired environment, supporting children's learning through outdoor play, safeguarding, and health and wellbeing. An enhanced DBS check and references are required; training and a friendly team await.

Qualifications

• Qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years
• Good understanding of EYFS
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection
• Health, safety and wellbeing awareness
• Passion for learning and development
• Enthusiastic about outdoor learning
• Caring, patient and reliable team player
• References and enhanced DBS checks

Responsibilities

• Support children's learning and development in an outdoor forest setting
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and health and safety standards are met
• Contribute to a caring, collaborative team and adapt to all weather conditions

Skills

Outdoor learning enthusiasm

Teamwork

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 2 Early Years qualification

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2855158-2S Position Type: Early Years Pay Range: £14 per hour

Position Start Date: 12/01/2027 Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Fixed

Application Close: 20/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 26th November 2026

Do you love the outdoors, have a passion for early years education and believe children learn best through exploring, discovering and getting a little muddy?

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioner/Teaching Assistant to join our friendly Froebelian inspired Forest Pre School team

The Role:

• £14 per hour
• 2 days per week
• Term-time only
• Working hours: 8.15am - 3.15pm (with flexibility with regards to start and end time)
• Working within a wonderful outdoor forest pre school environment

The Ideal Candidate:

• Holds a recognised Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Has a good understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Has knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Understands children's health, safety and wellbeing requirements.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting children's learning and development.
• Is enthusiastic about outdoor learning and enjoys spending time outside in all weathers.
• Is caring, patient, reliable and able to work well as part of a team.
• Can provide suitable references and undertake the necessary safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

What We Offer:

• A rewarding role in a beautiful outdoor learning environment.
• The opportunity to inspire curiosity, confidence and a love of nature and a supportive and welcoming team.

Kirsty Sharp
Bishop's Wood
South Hanningfield Road
Rettendon Common, Chelmsford
Essex, CM3 8HE Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Information about the School

Bishop's Forest Pre School's approach is child led and inspired by the principles of Friedrich Froebel, recognising play as the highest form of learning. Whether building dens, observing wildlife, creating natural art or sharing stories around the campfire, children develop confidence, resilience and a deep connection to the natural world.Whatever the weather, the woodland becomes the classroom, supporting physical development, emotional well being and a life long love of nature and learning. By following each child's interests and ideas, we nurture independent thinkers who feel valued, capable and curious.We have a beautiful 10 acre sole use woodland site in Rettendon Common, Essex and a purpose built classroom.Our small team is led by two primary school teachers with combined experience of over 60 years in primary education.

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.

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