Early Years Practitioner

Do you love the buzz of a busy nursery morning? The messy play. The storytelling corner. The tiny triumphs that feel huge.

We’re looking for passionate Early Years Practitioners to work across nurseries and Early Years classes within mainstream primary schools in Lewisham. Whether you want flexible day‑to‑day supply or something more settled long term, we’ve got options ready.

Perfect if you like variety and flexibility.

• Choose the days you work
• Experience different school settings
• No long‑term planning
• Quick bookings and clear communication

Ideal if you want work around childcare, studies, or just prefer mixing things up.

Looking to settle into one setting and become part of the furniture, in the best way?

• Full‑time placements in Nursery or Reception
• Consistent routine and team support
• Opportunities to lead small groups and interventions
• Chance to build strong relationships with children and families

• Supporting learning through play and structured activities
• Leading phonics, early maths and language development sessions
• Helping children with routines, social skills and independence
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and support staff
• Creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment

• Experience in nurseries or EYFS classrooms
• A Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification, or strong relevant experience
• A calm, caring and proactive approach
• Confidence supporting children with a range of needs
• A team player who’s happy to roll up their sleeves

If you’re coming from a private nursery and curious about working in a primary school, this is a brilliant way to step in and see what it’s like.

We keep things simple and supportive. No umbrella companies. No chasing for answers.

You’ll get:

• Weekly PAYE pay
• FREE access to our online CPD Academy
• A dedicated consultant who actually listens
• Opportunities in mainstream, SEND and alternative settings
• Easy registration and local bookings
• A referral scheme that rewards you properly

We’re also big on emotional wellbeing in Early Years. If you’re not Thrive trained, we can get you on our free Thrive training. It’s a real boost for your CV and schools genuinely value it.

Schools in Lewisham are booking now for both immediate cover and September planning. If you’re ready for flexible days or a fresh long‑term start, let’s chat.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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