Early Years Practitioner - PM

Early Years Practitioner - PMwww.aldwickbury.org.ukHarpenden,  AL5 1ADCandidate InformationLocation: Harpenden, HertfordshireContract: Part-time, Term-time plus holiday club weeksFull-time applications welcome1Welcome to AldwickburyWe are seeking to appoint a warm, enthusiastic and dedicatedEarly Years Practitioner with a genuine passion for working withyoung children. The successful candidate will be an excellentteam player, with strong communication skills, a nurturingapproach, and a commitment to delivering high-quality earlyyears education within a caring and stimulating environment. This is an exciting time to join Aldwickbury as we continue ourtransition to a co-educational setting and prepare to open ournew Nursery in September 2026. We are proud to extend thesame standard of academic excellence, holistic curriculum, andbreadth of opportunity to nursery-aged girls and boys.I hope you will consider becoming part of our wonderful schooland vibrant staff team at this important and inspiring stage inour development. Please note that applications will be reviewed as they arereceived, and we reserve the right to close the recruitmentprocess early should a suitable candidate be appointed.Paul Symes Headmaster Thank you for your interest in joiningAldwickbury School. I hope this candidateinformation pack gives you a genuine sense ofthe warm, inclusive, and positive environment weoffer. If successful, you’ll be joining a dedicatedand passionate team, committed to excellenceacross all areas of school life.We are immensely proud that Aldwickbury was awarded the prestigious title of Independent Boys’ School of the Year atthe highly regarded Independent School of the Year Awards. Even more significantly, we are the first-ever prep school tohave won this category.This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our entire team, the pupils'ability to embrace the challenges and opportunities available to them, and the invaluable support of our parents,governors, and wider school community. Together, we have built an inspirational environment where our pupils are notonly happy, but also challenged, kind, and able to flourish as their authentic selves.Introduction to Aldwickbury School2Aldwickbury is an independent day and flexi-boarding Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys, and girls in the Pre-Prep,located in 20 acres of grounds on the outskirts of Harpenden in Hertfordshire. Operated as an Educational Trust, theSchool is administered by a Board of Governors and is a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPs).At Aldwickbury School, we inspire pupils to develop a love for learning, empowering them to try their best, embracechallenges, be themselves, and seize opportunities that come their way. We are proud to have been voted IndependentBoys’ School of the Year 2024. In September, the school welcomed girls to our community in the Pre-Prep, providingthem with the opportunity to be part of this outstanding educational offer. Girls will be moving into Year 3 from the startof the next academic year. Our approach focuses on nurturing the individual potential of each child, ensuring they feelsupported in a safe and stimulating environment. We are a non-selective school with an emphasis on personal andacademic growth. We encourage pupils to take risks, celebrate their successes, and learn from their mistakes, and we areincredibly proud of the value we add to their education.Aldwickbury is committed to offering a holistic education that achieves academic success, where creativity, collaboration,critical thinking, and communication are at the heart of the curriculum. As a forward-thinking school, our leadership teamand staff continuously strive to enhance our educational offer. The Future Thinking initiative, introduced three years ago,has been instrumental in helping children prepare for an ever-changing world. We foster a strong sense of community,encouraging pupils to grow as confident, independent learners who are excited to contribute to the world around them.Through our dedicated staff, we aim to provide an outstanding experience that prepares pupils for their next stages ineducation at a wide range of excellent senior schools.Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2024Our EthosOur community is one where all staff should feel supported, where kindness connects us as ‘one team’. We work with passion todeliver an outstanding education for the pupils.  Our culture is one of integrity, respect, and high ambition, underpinned by a growth mindset. We are encouraged throughendeavour and self-reflection to develop, grow, and support each other’s wellbeing and happiness . 3The RoleMain Duties and ResponsibilitiesTeaching, Learning & DevelopmentWork collaboratively with the EYFS team to plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging learning experiences in line withthe School’s curriculum and the EYFS frameworkSupport children’s learning through high-quality interactions, observation and assessmentContribute to the monitoring, assessment, and recording of children’s progress, maintaining accurate learningrecords and reportsFoster curiosity, independence, and a love of learning from an early ageDevelop pupils’ use and understanding of language, structures, and vocabulary to support confidentcommunication and learning across the curriculumPromote learning through play within continuous provision, both indoors and outdoorsAdapt activities in response to pupils’ needs, attainment, and interests, under the direction of the teacherLead teaching activities for the class when required, enabling the teacher to undertake leadership responsibilitiesFollow advice from specialists and support Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Education, Health and Care Plans(EHCPs), under the guidance of the teacherProvide appropriate administrative support, including photocopying, typing, and filingJob Title:Accountable to:Job Purpose:Early Years Practitioner - PMEarly Years Leader / Head of Pre-PrepThe Early Years Practitioner will play a key role in delivering high-quality care and educationwithin the School’s Pre-Prep Nursery. Working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)framework, the post-holder will contribute to a nurturing, stimulating, and well-structuredenvironment that supports each child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical development,in line with the School’s ethos and values.The role includes contributing to the delivery of wrap-around care from 3.00pm to 5.00pm,Monday to Friday, ensuring continuity of care and a consistent, high-quality experience forchildren throughout the school day. Pastoral Care & WellbeingSafeguard and promote the welfare of all children in the Pre-Prep at all timesProvide a warm, caring, and secure environment in which children feel valued and supportedPromote positive behaviour, good manners, and respect in line with the School’s behaviour policySupport children’s personal care routines sensitively and appropriately, including toilet training and intimate carewhere requiredPromote inclusion and acceptance of all pupilsAssist in the development and implementation of strategies to support the emotional and social development ofindividual pupils or small groupsAssist with first aid and the care of children who are unwell or injuredSupport supervision during lunchtime, including while children are eating and during playtimeLearning EnvironmentCreate and maintain an attractive, well-organised, and stimulating learning environment, both indoors andoutdoorsPrepare resources and activities that reflect high expectations and best practice in early years educationEnsure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, and School policies and procedures at all timesWrap-Around Care (3.00pm–5.00pm)Support the delivery of high-quality wrap-around care for late afternoon sessionsProvide a calm and welcoming end of the EYFS dayPlan and facilitate appropriate activities during wrap-around sessions, including play-based learning, outdoor play,creative activities, and quiet timeEnsure children’s wellbeing, safety, and engagement throughout extended care hoursPartnership with Parents & ColleaguesDevelop positive, professional relationships with parents and carersWork collaboratively with colleagues across the Pre-Prep and wider school to ensure continuity of care andlearning throughout the extended dayAttend staff meetings, INSET days, and School events as requiredAttend occasional weekend events throughout the academic yearProfessional ResponsibilitiesDemonstrate flexibility, reliability, and professionalism Show a commitment to ongoing professional developmentUphold the professional standards, values, and ethos of the school at all timesAct as a positive role model for pupilsMain Duties and Responsibilities (continued)4Person SpecificationEducation, Qualifications and Knowledge5Aldwickbury is committed to continuous improvement, and all staff are expected to actively participate in school activities andembrace a flexible, forward-thinking approach. While every effort has been made to outline the key duties of this role, additional responsibilities may be assigned as neededand updated in line with the evolving needs of the school. EssentialDesirableLevel 3 Early Years qualification (or above) or Early YearsdegreeSecure knowledge of the EYFS framework and childdevelopment (birth to five)Clear understanding of safeguarding and child protectionrequirementsLiteracy and numeracy skills sufficient to support learningand maintain accurate recordsPaediatric First Aid and/or Food Hygiene qualificationKnowledge of supporting children with SEND and/or EALExperience in a school-based or independent nurserysettingSkills and AbilitiesAbility to build positive relationships with children, parents,and colleaguesAbility to support and deliver high-quality, play-basedlearningConfidence in observing, assessing, and contributing tochildren’s progressStrong communication and organisational skillsAbility to work collaboratively and use initiativeExperience leading small-group activitiesExperience supporting children with IEPs or EHCPsPersonal QualitiesWarm, nurturing, and professional approachCommitment to safeguarding and promoting children’swellbeingEnthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine passion for early yearseducationCommitment to the School’s ethos and valuesPositive, solution-focused mindsetCreativity and enjoyment of outdoor learning6Aldwickbury School is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils. We carefully assess the suitability of allemployees to work with children, and all appointments are subject to enhanced DBS disclosure and other statutorychecks.All staff receive regular training to ensure they are alert to child protection and safeguarding issues. The higheststandards of behaviour and professionalism are expected of everyone working within our community.Safeguarding and Child ProtectionTerms of Appointment12.00pm - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, Part-time (Full-time applications will also be considered)Permanent, Term-time plus up to 4 weeks of holiday clubSeptember 2026The school offers a competitive remuneration package that is based on qualifications, responsibility,and experienceContributory pension schemeFree on-site parking Use of the School’s facilities at times allocated to staff, including the swimming pool and sports hallEmployee Assistance ProgrammeCycle to work schemeHours of work:Contract:Required for:Salary:Benefits:Interview and Application ProcessTo apply, please visit: Vacancies | Aldwickbury Independent schoolEarly application is advised, as applications will be considered as they are received and we reserve the right to appointat any time in the process.The closing date for applications is 15th March 2026. Interviews will be arranged with the shortlisted candidates.Thank you for your interest in joining Aldwickbury School.The school aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment where all pupils are happy and can be themselves. Aldwickbury expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.