Early Years Practitioner Level 3+
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Fixed Term
Working Pattern:
Please see advert text
Advert Start Date:
05/11/2026
Advert End Date:
20/11/2026 23:59
Salary:
Band 3, £26,427 per annum
Employment Location:
Ponteland, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Further Information
Ponteland Community Primary School | Ponteland Academy Trust
Are you a caring, enthusiastic and creative Early Years Practitioner? We are looking for a dedicated colleague to join our welcoming nursery team, supporting children aged nine months to five years.
Key information
- Contract: Fixed term for one year in the first instance.
- Hours: 20 contracted hours per week, with additional hours likely to be available, potentially up to 40 hours per week.
- Working pattern: Shifts arranged between 7:30am and 6:00pm to meet the needs of our provision.
- Year-round role: Our nursery operates for 50 weeks each year, closing for two weeks at Christmas. The role includes statutory paid annual leave and is not term time only.
- Salary: Band 3, £26,427 per annum, full-time equivalent, pro rata for part-time hours only. No term-time-only salary reduction applies.
- Start date: As soon as possible, subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
- Closing date: Friday 20th November
- Interviews: WB 23rd November
About our nursery
At Ponteland Community Primary School, we believe in providing “Opportunities in abundance” from the very beginning of a child’s education.
Our nursery provides a warm, inclusive and stimulating environment where children can explore, play and flourish. With welcoming indoor spaces, a large garden, extensive grounds and an on-site forest school, we offer exciting opportunities for learning and discovery.
About the role
Working closely with our Early Years team, you will:
- Support children’s safeguarding, welfare, care, learning and development.
- Plan and deliver engaging, play-based experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
- Observe children’s progress and respond to their interests and individual needs.
- Create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued.
- Support daily care routines, encouraging confidence and independence.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with parents, carers and colleagues.
- Take part in professional development to strengthen your practice.
About you
We are looking for someone with:
- A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above that meets Department for Education requirements.
- GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent, in English and maths.
- Experience of working with young children in a nursery, childcare or Early Years setting, including children aged nine months and above.
- A strong understanding of the EYFS and child development from birth to five.
- A caring, patient and proactive approach.
- Excellent communication skills and a commitment to teamwork.
- A firm commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.
What we offer
- A welcoming, well-resourced nursery within a thriving primary school.
- A supportive and friendly team.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Extensive outdoor learning spaces and forest school.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Free on-site parking.
- A free school meal for staff.
- Come and visit us
Visits are warmly encouraged. Come and meet our team, explore our nursery and find out more about the role.
To arrange a visit, please contact the school office on 01661 824853 or email admin@ponteland.academy
How to apply
Please download and complete the application form below and return it to admin@ponteland.academy by the closing date.
Applications for vacancies at Ponteland Community Primary School should be made using our official PCPS Job Application Form. CVs will not be accepted.
Please read the Application Form Guidance Notes before completing your application.
Safeguarding and safer recruitment
Ponteland Community Primary School and Ponteland Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, two satisfactory references, including one from your current or most recent employer, and other relevant pre-employment checks. Online checks may be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our safer recruitment process.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, subject to the applicable filtering rules.
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to fair treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice
We are always interested in developing the next generation of Early Years professionals and providing high-quality opportunities for people who would like to begin or develop their career working with young children.
Our Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship provides the opportunity to gain a recognised Early Years qualification while working as part of our experienced Early Years team.
Our Early Years provision welcomes children from 9 months old through to school age and operates for 50 weeks of the year, providing apprentices with experience across a thriving and varied Early Years environment.