Job Description

GET INVOLVED - WORK FOR US - BE DRIVEN BY THE GOOD WE DO

Do you want to make a genuine difference to society and for those in need?

Are you looking for your next exciting challenge?

Do you want to work for an organisation that cares about you, values you and looks forward to what we can do together?

Then come and join the team at YMCA Cheltenham as a

Preschool Practitioner Room Lead

We are looking to recruit a

Preschool Practitioner Room Lead

, to join the team on a

fixed term contract (from September until the Preschool breaks up for the Christmas holidays)

, based at Cherry Blossom Preschool, St Barnabas Church, Cheltenham. We are seeking someone with a sense of social purpose, to help improve the lives of others and make a lasting difference in the lives of children throughout the County of Gloucestershire.

In return, you will receive a generous pension, life assurance, excellent ancillary benefits and you will become part of the YMCA Cheltenham family.

Being part of YMCA Cheltenham includes free gym membership for you and your household, as well as being invited to our fun and annual events exclusively for you and your family. You will also have access to training and professional development opportunities.

The role is 35 hours a week, working Monday to Friday, 8.00am-3.30pm (term-time only)

The hourly rate is

up to 15.95 per hour

, dependent on relevant skills, experience and qualifications. Salary will be calculated on a term-time only basis.

ABOUT YOU

We are inviting applications for the role of Preschool Practitioner Room Lead, (fixed term contract - September until the Preschool breaks up for the Christmas holidays), based at Cherry Blossom Preschool, St Barnabas Church, Cheltenham.

To be successful in this role, you will require a Level 3 in the relevant field, along with 2-3 years' experience of working in a preschool setting.

You will be comfortable working in a team and also have an ability to manage your own workload with minimum supervision, have effective interpersonal skills, strong leadership skills to support colleagues within your class and the ability to maintain good working relationships throughout the whole organisation.

ABOUT US

YMCA Cheltenham, founded in 1855, is a registered charity and has become a leading provider of supported housing for the most vulnerable in Cheltenham and Gloucester, alongside other works sports facilities, affordable housing and other charitable activities.

Organisational Values

YMCA Cheltenham is an organisation founded on Christian values and, as such, employees may encounter behaviours, artefacts, or other elements particular to or representative of the Christian faith in their workplace.

As an organisation founded upon the Christian Faith, YMCA Cheltenham draws its Values from the Bible, principally as described in Micah 6:8. Our Values are therefore expressed as follows:

OUR VALUES

YMCA Cheltenham will

OPERATE

with Equity, Integrity, Openness and Honesty.

YMCA Cheltenham will

ENGAGE

with Empathy, Kindness, Generosity and Grace.

YMCA Cheltenham will

BE

Thoughtful, Discrete, Ethical and Respectful to all.

Employees are not required to adhere to the Christian faith, nor any faith, and no such consideration is made by the organisation in employment choices nor in delivering its services - however, we do expect all employees to demonstrate the list of Values shown while in the workplace.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Preschool Practitioner - Room Lead will be the lead for the 2-3-year-old children, before the children move into the next Pre School class and will help ensure that the children have a safe, high quality educational and interesting visit each and every day.

The role will also involve working closely with the Manager and Deputy Manager considering the day-to-day running of the setting, and ensure their class is delivering high-quality care and early education at all times. They will also act as a point of reference for staff and families in the absence of the Manager and/or Deputy Manager.

ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER

The organisation recognise that employees need a good balance between work and life.

We provide:

28 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, for full time employees (pro-rated for part time employees), which goes up after two years length of service, up to a maximum of a further 5 days annual leave. (For our term-time only employees holiday entitlement will be included within the salary calculation)

Two additional wellbeing days, for full time employees (pro-rated for part time employees). (For our term-time only employees the wellbeing entitlement will also be included within the salary calculation)

Colleague discount and rewards from hundreds of leading on-line and high street retailers.

Cycle to work scheme.

Generous contributory pension scheme.

Company sick pay.

Life Assurance of two times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones.

Free Health club cash plan, which offers money off glasses, dentistry and provides GP and consultant support. This also provides independent personal, workplace and financial advice.

Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people.

Free use of the organisation's sports facilities.

Comprehensive training programme for all staff across the organisation to help develop each and every member of the team.

We are committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their age, gender, disability, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation or faith. We have procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

YMCA Cheltenham is committed to following safer recruitment guidelines. In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be able to demonstrate they have evidence to be eligible to live and work in the UK. Successful candidates will need to provide two satisfactory references, undergo a DBS check and demonstrate full employment history.

YMCA Cheltenham is wholly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: Up to 15.95 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free fitness classes Gym membership Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Sick pay Store discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you have at least 2 years' previous experience of working in a preschool setting?
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 12/08/2025
Reference ID: Preschool Practitioner Room Lead