Job Description

Do you have a warm smiley face that can make a child feel special? Do you have a little bit of quirkiness? Are you passionate about working with children, and looking for a friendly community preschool to work in? Then joining our staff team could be the solution!

We are seeking to appoint a practitioner with key person duties for our 2nd preschool setting opening in Oakington expected September 2025. The appointee will be able to encourage child development through supporting activities and experiences.

You will become a highly-valued member of our team, encouraging child development through supporting activities and experiences. You will be enthusiastic and passionate about early years education and always willing to undertake any task that creates a fun and functional environment.

Part-time or full-time hours are possible for the right candidate. Hours will be between 8.30am - 3.15pm, Monday to Friday term time only, with additional termly overtime hours for meetings, training, etc. to be arranged in advance. Please note, while hours are negotiable, the appointee will be required from 8.30am if working morning shifts and/or to 3.15pm if working full day/afternoon shifts. Working middle of the days hours will not be possible.

Key person must have requirements:

You must be able to distribute warm hugs as required.

You must be able to pretend to eat play dough creations realistically, and that of drinking numerous cups of tea.

You must have the ability to read a 10-page story book upside down, with at least 4 interruptions per page.

You must be comfortable entering public places on the way home from work, with unknown substance on your clothing.

You must have the ability to sing (out of tune!) in front of a crowd.

You must be prepared to have lots of fun in the workplace. Laughter is something you can expect to engage in for the large part of your working day.

You must feel comfortable telling everybody in the same room as you, that you are going to the toilet!

And finally you must be able to laugh at jokes you don't understand, or you don't find funny!

Other requirements are:

Having a relevant early year's qualification at level 2 or above is essential for this position and preferably, recent experience of working with preschool children too

An awareness of safeguarding and child protection

To be part of the staff team and the ability to work together in a positive and compassionate way

To continually strive for best practice in yourself and inspire others

To be dedicated in achieving the highest standard of education and care

Having a passion for making a difference in the local community

Having a child-centred approach to teaching using creative and exciting methods to engage and stimulate

Having knowledge of development matters curriculum guidance

Be able to communicate verbally in English with children, colleagues and visitors and be able to type and write in English for children development records.

Cottontails Preschool is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children attending the setting. All successful applicants will be subject to full suitability checks including an up-to-date DBS check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Please contact Emma and Laura at info@girtoncottontailspreschool.com for an application form and job description. For more information or an informal chat, you can call us on 07368180771.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday No weekends Overtime
Application question(s):

Please provide your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage?
Experience:

Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Early Years Qualification (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Preschool Practitioner with key person duties