Preschool Practitioner (Maternity Cover)

Thomas Deacon Education Trust; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected educational trust in Peterborough is seeking a Preschool Practitioner for maternity cover. You will lead operations, ensuring high-quality care and education for preschool children. This role involves supporting the EYFS curriculum, daily observations, and fostering an inclusive environment. Ideal candidates should hold a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, possess strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrate resilience. This is a full-time position with a supportive team dedicated to early years education.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification is required.
• Experience in a similar role is desirable.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations within the designated room.
• Support EYFS curriculum through engaging activities.
• Observe and assess children's progress.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Resilience in a busy environment

Knowledge of child development

Education

Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification

Job description

Preschool Practitioner (Maternity Cover)

Contract: Fixed Term until October 2026
Hours: 35.83 hours, 39 weeks (term time plus one week)
Working pattern: 8:20am – 4pm, Monday to Friday
Salary: Pathway 2, £20,885 – £22,244 per year, plus £1,331 for room leadership (FTE: £25,185 – £26,824)
Site: Gladstone Primary Academy
Closing date: 4th January 2026
Start date: Asap
Please note the trust may decide to withdraw the advert before the closing date or interview suitable candidates prior to the advert closing.

Are you passionate about early years education and ready to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant, multicultural community? Do you have a Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification? If so, Gladstone Primary Academy would love to hear from you!

Your role

As a Preschool Practitioner and Room Leader, you’ll work closely with the Preschool Manager and team to deliver high‑quality care and education tailored to each child’s individual needs. You’ll lead the daily operations within your designated room, ensuring a safe, stimulating environment that promotes emotional, physical, and intellectual development.

• Support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through engaging adult‑led and child‑initiated activities.
• Organise your room’s routines and activities.
• Observe and assess children’s progress.
• Support mealtimes.
• Contribute to weekly planning.
• Ensure safeguarding and health and safety procedures are followed at all times.

Eligibility & requirements

• Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
• Strong interpersonal skills and calm, resilient demeanour in a busy preschool setting.
• Desirable experience in a similar role and knowledge of child development, EYFS and safeguarding practices.
• Meet Fluency Duty requirements – fluent in English.
• Provide satisfactory references and undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

About us

Gladstone Park Preschool is a warm, inclusive and well‑established part of Gladstone Primary Academy, offering a safe and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, play and grow. As part of the Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET), you’ll join a forward‑thinking organisation that values collaboration, professional growth and shared success. You’ll work alongside dedicated colleagues in a supportive, multicultural community.

Why work for us?

Join TDET where 95 % of new employees highly rate our induction programme and 91 % of staff are proud to work for us. We offer a welcoming induction and a supportive environment from day one, and our video showcases employee benefits.

Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The Academy will require the successful candidate to provide satisfactory references and undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We welcome applications from everyone – we are committed to equality of opportunity for all. Join us in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all contributions are valued.

If you have any questions regarding this post, please contact the HR Team at [e-mail].