Nursery Education Professional (Preschool)
Job Specification
Purpose of the Role
Lead the delivery of a structured, teacher-led educational programme for children aged 2–5 years within the preschool environment. The role focuses on supporting children's early academic and developmental foundations through a curriculum that promotes literacy, mathematics and understanding the world, alongside social, emotional and physical development.
The post holder will design and implement engaging learning experiences that prepare children for school readiness while ensuring all activities align with the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership of Room Practice
- Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of EYFS activities.
- Model best practice and set clear expectations for the room team.
2. Observation, Assessment & Curriculum
- Complete accurate observations and assessments, including termly and school leavers reports where required.
- Use children’s interests and developmental progress to inform planning and continuous provision.
- Track children’s development and identify any additional support needs.
- Plan and deliver a high-quality early year’s curriculum for children aged 2–5 years, with a focus on early literacy, mathematics and understanding the world.
- Provide engaging learning experiences that support language development, early reading, numeracy, problem solving and curiosity.
- Ensure teaching approaches remain age-appropriate, play-based and aligned with early years pedagogy.
- Support children in developing independence, confidence and a love of learning.
- Maintain a stimulating and well-organised preschool environment with resources that support structured learning and independent exploration.
- Promote a balance between adult-led teaching and child-initiated play.
3. Safeguarding & Welfare
- Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, welfare and child protection are maintained at all times.
- Follow nursery policies, procedures and statutory safeguarding guidance.
- Maintain a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for all children.
4. Communication & Teamwork
- Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child’s development and progress.
- Support parents in understanding their child’s learning journey and school readiness.
- Participate in parent meetings, progress reviews and nursery events.
- Work closely with room staff, management and the wider nursery team to maintain high standards of education and care.
- Share good practice and contribute to the continuous development of the nursery’s educational provision.
- Support colleagues in delivering learning activities within the preschool room.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Level 3 or above in Early Years (Qualified Teacher strongly preferred)
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework.
- Additional training in early childhood education or teaching practice is desirable.
Experience
- Experience working with children aged 2–5 years within an early years setting.
- Experience delivering structured learning activities supporting early literacy and numeracy.
- Experience observing and assessing children's development.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong understanding of early childhood development and school readiness.
- Ability to plan engaging educational activities that support early learning outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills with both children and parents.
- Passion for early years education and child development.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Personal Qualities
- Warm, patient and nurturing approach to children.
- Enthusiastic about supporting children's early learning journey.
- Organised, proactive and committed to maintaining high standards of education and care.
