Sunshine Pre-school: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Knowle, Bristol.
Job Description:
To work as part of a team providing professional support in the education and care of children 2 ½ – 5 years.
Post holder will be expected to work mainly unsupervised, creating effective learning opportunities through planned and spontaneous play activities, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
The post holder will need to be fully aware of the roles and responsibilities of child care professionals in respect of safeguarding children.
Responsibilities:
- To be fully aware of and work within the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
- To work to promote the four principles of the EYFS (A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments, Learning and Development).
- To interact with and support children in gaining skills such as independence, self-confidence, an enjoyment of learning and an appreciation of their own and other’s achievements and considerations of each other’s needs.
- To observe children’s individual and group play and behaviour, keeping meaningful records, so that all factors of children’s progress are known and planned for.
- To be an effective key person by:
- Documenting, assessing and monitoring children’s learning and development.
- Developing respectful relationships with parents and carers.
- Sharing assessments with parents and carers and involving them in their children’s education.
- Reacting to any concerns they have about their child or any family issues by providing support, including referral to outside agencies.
- Working alongside senior staff to ensure information is documented and shared correctly and setting procedures are followed.
- To develop and maintain respectful, supportive and caring relationships with all children and their families.
- To help identify children with special educational or other needs using the Graduated Approach and bring these to the attention of senior staff.
- To be aware of the cultural and religious backgrounds of the children and family to promote our equal opportunities policy and ensure children and families feel valued.
- To be fully aware of safeguarding procedures within the setting and how all areas of practice contribute to keeping children safe. To be fully aware of whistle blowing practices and how to raise concerns about staff especially in the case of the senior management team.
- To be aware of and adhere to all policies and procedures adopted by Sunshine pre-school.
- To engage in critical reflections of your practice and actively seek to improve knowledge and skills through in-house and professional development training opportunities.
- To participate with reviews of the establishment, its policies and philosophy, attending and contributing to regular staff meetings each term.
- Be flexible and work effectively as part of a team to deliver quality care and education.
- Undertake tasks to provide and maintain a clean, safe and stimulating environment.
Qualifications & Experience:
| Category | Essential / Desirable |
|---|---|
| Training & Qualifications | Essential:
Desirable:
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| Experience | Essential:
Desirable:
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| Knowledge & Skills | Essential:
Desirable:
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Qualifications and experience required:
- A relevant Early Years qualification
- A genuine love for working with children and watching them flourish
- A desire to belong to a strong and friendly staff team
- An aspiration to contribute your knowledge and skills to enable all children to achieve and thrive to their highest level
Hours, Contract & Pay:
- Full or Part time
- Working hours are 8.15 – 4.15 daily. Term time only (38 weeks of the year)
- We will consider full or part time positions, days are negotiable
- Fixed term contract (subject to a probationary period of 3 months)
Rate of Pay:
Early Years Practitioners are currently paid £13.15 per hour, subject to a review in April 2026. Salary is based on working 38 weeks of the year plus 4 weeks holiday pay.
Applications
Please apply by emailing Sunshine Pre-schools at office@sunshinepreachool.org.uk and you will be provided with an application pack.
Applications need to be in by 27th February 2026
All applicants will be responded to with successful candidates invited for interview.
