Early Years Practitioner

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Early Years provision at Locking Primary School working with children aged 2-4 years.

Locking Primary School is seeking a qualified Early Years Practitioner who is positive, supportive, and committed to working as part of a strong team. The successful candidate will be motivating, flexible, creative, and innovative, and will demonstrate confidence, calmness, consistency, and resourcefulness. Experience supporting EYFS pupils in a classroom environment is desirable but not essential.

Why join Locking Primary School?

Become part of a welcoming village school community where every child is encouraged to be resilient, enthusiastic, and aspirational. We focus on nurturing the whole child, fostering a love of learning, and building a strong sense of belonging. Our goal is to ensure that every pupil and staff member feels included and supported, encouraging a community where everyone can thrive together.

Hours: 40 hours per week, including 40 INSET hours per academic year (term time only) Mon-Fri  8:30am-4:00pm

Actual salary: £25,785.52

Closing date: 3 June 2026

Interview date: 10 June 2026

Start date: 1 September 2026

You will work closely with the nursery and preschool manager to resource and adapt planning, supporting high‑quality teaching and learning across all subjects. You will help create stimulating learning environments that enable pupils to develop and expand their knowledge, while working collaboratively with the wider school community to uphold both school and trust values.

The role requires an individual who is proactive, energetic, and committed to engaging pupils and fostering their love of learning. You will inspire children to become confident and independent learners, while also being calm, patient, sensitive, and able to provide comfort and reassurance when needed.

You will have

• Level 3 or above relevant childcare qualification
• EYFS experience
• empathy for and enjoyment of working with children
• a working knowledge of effective safeguarding practice
• the ability to provide support and guidance whilst promoting learning and respect
• strong communication and interpersonal skills
• willingness to engage in training and reflection for own development 
• implementation of inclusivity and diversity, supporting children and barriers to learning
• the ability to keep calm under pressure and in challenging situations
• to be self-motivated, flexible and solution focused approach
• a good team player

What you can expect

We are helping you take care of your future with a pension contribution well above average.

We are helping you take care of your family, by offering five paid carer's days (on a pro rata basis). For more information about all of our benefits, please visit our benefits page.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. Our goal is to ensure that every pupil and staff member feels included and supported, encouraging a community where everyone can thrive together.

We provide quality, ongoing professional development and network opportunities and clear pathways for career growth, enabling you to learn new skills.

Join us and help shape a supportive environment where pupils and staff thrive together. Apply today and start making a difference!

This post is exempt from The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974