Job Description

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Early Years educator to lead our Nursery with energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to holistic learning - nurturing the Head, Hand, and Heart.



Working under the guidance of the Head of Bedales Pre-prep, the Nursery Teacher will play a central role in shaping a rich, inquiry-based environment where children's natural curiosity and independence are celebrated and supported. The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years' experience in Early Years education and demonstrate a strong understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, championing play as a powerful vehicle for learning and recognising the learning environment as a 'third teacher'.



The post holder will plan, develop, and implement schemes of work to enable children to attain their optimum potential across all areas. They will consistently uphold high standards of teaching and professional conduct, and foster effective relationships with pupils, parents, and colleagues to ensure the wellbeing and development of each child.

Educational Philosophy

At Bedales Pre-prep, we believe in educating the whole child through a child-centred, inquiry-led approach grounded in play-based experiences. Influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we view children as capable and competent learners. The curriculum is co-constructed with children, emerging from their interests and designed to spark curiosity, independence, and deep connection with the natural world. The learning environment, both indoors and out, is intentionally curated to provoke exploration, wonder, and collaboration. As such, the post holder will see the classroom and outdoor spaces not just as backdrops, but as integral elements of pedagogy, and will take shared responsibility in maintaining a dynamic and inspiring space for children.

Timetable

You will be timetabled to teach Monday to Friday from 08:45am to 5:25pm. Consistent with normal expectations of a teaching post you will be expected to participate in weekly assemblies, cover, duties, INSET, parents meetings, staff meetings and school events.



This post is Regulated Activity.

Benefits

Free on-site parking


Personal APTIS pension with additional remuneration benefits


Funded Healthcare Cash Plan


Salary Extras Benefits Platform


Employee Assistance Programme


Free lunch is provided during term time

Pre-Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK, on an on-going basis, at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

How to Apply

Vacancy Filler

If you are interested in applying for this postplease read the which includes full details regarding the post. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines, CVs cannot be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application form.

Closing date: 9:00am, Monday 2 June 2025

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis during the advertising period.

Early application is advised as Bedales reserves the right to close this vacancy at any stage of the application process, should a suitable applicant be appointed prior to the closing date.

Job related enquiries for the Recruiting manager can be forwarded via Kellie Potts Head's PA via email to: kpotts@bedales.org.uk





All other enquiries relating to the recruitment process, should be forwarded to recruitment@bedales.org.uk

Safeguarding Statement:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.


Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks, Prohibition from Management Checks.



The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection; providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to; playing a key role in prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm; When concerned about the welfare of a pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil.




All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children and are expected to act in accordance with the school Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.



The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.