Level 3 Preschool Practitioner - East Claydon School

Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced full time level 3 preschool practitioner at East Claydon school and preschool.

Starting 13th April 2026 on a permanent contract

Term time only: Yes

Salary type: Bucks Pay, 28,000-31,000 FTE equivalent (pro rata actual annual salary £21,300-£23,895)

Salary Details: Range 2-3 Dependant on experience

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday 8am-3.15pm

Closing date: 09/03/2026

Interviews to be held: Upon Application Receipt - We with hold the right to close applications early should a suitable candidate be found

About us

At East Claydon School, we are committed to working together to provide a high quality education based upon a set of shared values. We have chosen the values of: Joy, Courage, Kindness & collaboration.

Set in the beautiful rural village of East Claydon we are the heart of our wonderful community. We look forward to welcoming you

Website: www.eastclaydon.org.uk

About the role

As a level 3 childcare practitioner you will provide high‑quality early years education and care for children aged 2–5, supporting their learning, development, and well‑being in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The practitioner works as part of a team to create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate age‑appropriate learning activities in line with the EYFS.
• Support children's personal, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Encourage independence through play‑based and adult‑led experiences.
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress using formative assessment methods.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs of individual children, including those with SEND.

Safeguarding & Safety:

• Ensure the safety and welfare of all children at all times.
• Follow safeguarding policies, reporting any concerns promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and risk‑assessed environment.
• Support healthy routines, including toileting, hygiene, and dietary needs.

Communication & Teamwork:

• Develop strong, positive relationships with children and their families.
• Communicate effectively with parents through daily feedback and progress updates.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain high standards of care.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and supervision sessions.

Setting Operations:

• Help with setting up and tidying away daily activities.
• Assist in planning long‑term and short‑term curriculum themes.
• Contribute to maintaining accurate records (attendance, incidents, assessments).
• Uphold the preschool's values, policies, and procedures.

About you

• Warm, patient, and nurturing.
• Creative and enthusiastic about early years education.
• Reliable, organised, and proactive.
• Reflective practitioner with a willingness to learn.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Essential Requirements:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (or working towards).
• Knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework.
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety.
• Ability to build warm and responsive relationships with children.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• DBS check (enhanced).

Desirable Requirements:

• Pediatric First Aid Certificate.
• Experience working in an early years setting.
• SEND training or experience supporting additional needs.
• Knowledge of child development theories and play-based learning.

Other information

Visits to the school are warmly welcome.  To arrange a visit or to find out more about the role, please contact our school business manager Sophie Fox on the number below. 
Tel No: 01296 712765

Please send completed application forms to the email address below.       
Email: [email protected]

At East Claydon School, the health, safety and well-being of every child are our paramount concern. We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is for children to enjoy their time as pupils in this school. We want to work in partnership with you to help your child achieve their full potential and make a positive contribution.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).

For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).
It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete self-disclosure form and return prior to interview.