Pre-School Practitioner

Job Details

Position

Start Date:

13/04/2026
Contract Type:
Part‑time
Contract Term:
Permanent

Application Close: 01/04/2026 Midnight
Date of Interviews: TBC

We are looking for a person to work 24.5 hours per week, on Monday and Thursday 8:30/9:00 am to 2:50 pm, Tuesday and Friday 8:30/9:00 am to 2:45 pm, with the possibility of Wednesday shifts if desired. The role is based in our pre‑school area (2 year olds and older) and is term‑time only. It is suitable for someone who has children at school and can still drop off and collect them.

• Help set up an outstanding enabling environment.
• Teach children through a variety of methods, including play, songs, craft activities and stories, providing appropriate support, challenge and stimulation.
• Support children to learn by leading their own play and guiding participation.
• Be a key person with good partnership and communication with parents, carers and families.
• Guide children through their development with warm and positive interactions.
• Take appropriate action for children with special needs (e.g., diet, disability, medication).
• Advise Management of any concerns relating to children or parents, maintaining confidentiality and complying with policies and procedures.

• Attend regular staff meetings and contribute as required by Management.
• Participate in fire drills, adhering to Health & Safety regulations.
• Participate in training.
• Work within the pre‑school’s policies and procedures at all times.
• Possess a general understanding of issues and inequalities faced by children, such as race/ethnicity, disability/ability, sex/gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age or socio‑economic background.
• Understand safeguarding policies and procedures and be able to identify signs of a child l be required to complete Safeguarding Level 2 training and maintain an updated DBS check.
• Show a commitment to overcoming barriers to inclusion.
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Hold a childcare qualification and have previous experience with children under 2 years old (essential).

• Keep confidential any information regarding children, families and staff.
• Be patient, caring and encouraging with the children.
• Maintain pre‑school standards on behaviour and be consistent and fair with the children.
• Be approachable and welcoming to parents and children.
• Support the Manager/Deputy Manager and the rest of the team in carrying out pre‑school work.
• Be flexible and cooperative in carrying out tasks and coping with changes at pre‑school.
• Disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders, reprimands or warnings that affect suitability to work in the setting to the Manager/Deputy Manager.
• Be an excellent role model to children, parents/carers and other staff members.

Please note that we are a set‑up pre‑school; lifting equipment will be required.

Car essential – no public transport.

£12.66–13.06 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Part‑time – will fit around school time hours. Term‑time only.

Remote work is possible, but the role requires on‑site presence in Colchester CO6 1JQ
. On‑site parking available.

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.

Truly Bruce
Village Hall, Chappel Rd, Great Tey, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1JQ

Telephone:
Email:

Stifford Clays Primary School, Grays
Closing: 23/02/2026 Midday