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Monday – Friday 9:00am -12 noon
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Monday – Thursday 12 noon – 1:00pm
Afternoon
Monday – Thursday 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Full Day
Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 3:30pm

Early Years Practitioner wanted.
Come and help little minds grow, big imaginations soar, and every child feel at home.
We’re looking for a kind, enthusiastic and passionate Early Years Practitioner to join our wonderful team!
If you love the sound of tiny giggles, messy play, big questions, story time, muddy puddles and celebrating all things, big and small, you might just be the person we’re looking for. 💛
✨ What you’ll be doing
Every day is different and that’s what makes it so special!
You’ll help create a fun, safe and nurturing environment where children can play, belong, explore, discover and learn at their own pace.
Your day might include:
🎨 Getting creative with arts, crafts and messy play
🧸 Joining in with imaginative games and make-believe
📚 Sharing stories, songs and plenty of silly voices
🌱 Exploring the great outdoors and discovering the world around us
💬 Supporting children as they develop their confidence, communication and independence
🌟 Celebrating every milestone — from putting on their own shoes to making their first best friend
👨👩👧 Building positive relationships with children, families and the wider team
📝 Supporting observations, planning and children’s individual learning journeys
🛡️ Helping to maintain a safe, happy and inclusive environment for every child
💛 What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who is:
• Warm, caring and genuinely passionate about working with young children
• Fun and not afraid to get involved!
• Patient, kind and understanding
• A great team player who is happy to muck in
• Confident communicating with children, families and colleagues
• Creative and full of ideas
• Reliable, enthusiastic and willing to learn
• Committed to providing every child with the best possible start
You’ll hold a relevant Early Years qualification, such as an Early Years Educator / Level 3 qualification, or be working towards one.
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who understands that children learn through play, relationships, curiosity and having fun.
🌟 Why join us?
Because we believe our team deserves to feel just as valued as the children we care for.
You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team where your ideas are welcomed, your development matters and no two days are ever quite the same!
We’ll support you to:
🌱 Grow your skills and confidence
💡 Bring your own ideas and creativity to the setting
🤝 Work alongside a genuinely supportive team
🎓 Continue your learning and professional development
😊 Have fun while making a real difference to little lives
🧡 The important stuff
Position: Early Years Practitioner
Hours: Term Time only - Tuesday & Thursday 8.45 (9.00) – 12.00, Wednesday 8.45 (9.00) – 12.00 (or 3.30) (negotiable)
Salary: L3 qualified £12.88p/h
Location: St Mary’s Playschool, Church Centre, The Chase, Great Baddow, CM2 7JU
Contract: Initially Fixed-term until July 2027
If you’re someone who can turn a cardboard box into a rocket, sing the same nursery rhyme 17 times without losing your enthusiasm, and celebrate a child finally mastering their coat zip like it’s an Olympic gold medal — we’d love to hear from you! 🚀🏆
Come and be part of our little team with a big heart. 💛
To apply: Please email your C.V along with a cover letter to Mandy Wanless @ ... See MoreSee Less
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A Nurturing Village Playschool Where Your Child Can Learn, Grow & Belong 🌿
Choosing your child’s first early years setting is a big decision. You want somewhere your child will feel safe, happy, loved and confident — and somewhere you, as a parent, feel listened to and supported too.
At St Mary’s Playschool, we believe that children learn best when they feel secure, valued and able to be themselves. ❤️
🏡 A warm, welcoming village setting- A friendly environment where children build strong relationships with familiar adults and develop friendships with other children.
🌱 Learning through play - Children are encouraged to explore, discover, create and have fun while developing the skills they need for their next steps.
💛 A nurturing approach - Every child is unique. We take the time to get to know your child, understand their individual needs and celebrate their achievements — big and small.
👩👧 Strong relationships with families - We know that parents and carers know their children best. We work closely with families, keeping communication open and making sure you feel involved in your child’s early years journey
🎒 Getting ready for school - We help children develop independence, confidence, communication, friendships and practical skills, giving them a strong foundation for their next adventure.
🧸 Supporting the whole child - From emotional wellbeing and confidence to physical development, communication and early learning, we support children in all areas of their development.
🌈 A place where every child belongs - We celebrate individuality and aim to create an inclusive environment where every child feels welcomed, respected and valued.
✨ And most importantly… lots of fun! - Because childhood should be filled with curiosity, laughter, messy play, adventures and wonderful memories. ... See MoreSee Less
Toilet Training and Starting School
Starting school is a big milestone for children and families. If you’re preparing your child for school this September, the Toilet Training Talks campaign offers friendly, practical advice to help your child develop confidence and independence with using the toilet.
The NHS has a new Potty Training webpage with helpful guidance on recognising when your child needs the toilet, managing clothing, wiping, flushing and handwashing.
There’s also a short, light-hearted film featuring Reception teacher Georgia Lucas and TV doctor Dr Emily MacDonagh, offering reassurance and reminding parents that every child develops at their own pace.
Watch the Toilet Training Talks film news.service.education.gov.uk/92D5B03413C1B809C75EBA4DA89142BF95FAC7656F715165CC11C34ACA531CD4/3E...
NHS Potty Training advice news.service.education.gov.uk/C53E2225276AA19D6FC33E07F454F3D69FBE17388E6D14A6CB75795BEA8B97C4/3E...
CBeebies Parenting – Getting Ready for School
The BBC CBeebies Parenting website also has a collection of free advice, activities, songs, stories and games to help children prepare for starting school or an early years setting.
Topics include:
Introducing the potty and becoming more independent with toileting
Taking turns and sharing
Building confidence about starting school
Managing separation anxiety
Developing communication, confidence and independence
Explore CBeebies' Skills for Starting School resources
You can also find a selection of CBeebies songs, stories, games and advice on BBC iPlayer.
Remember: every child develops at their own pace. Starting school is a journey, and small steps towards confidence and independence can make a big difference.
Check out the ‘skills for starting school’ collection on the CBeebies Parenting website for free, expert advice and activity ideas to grow children’s independence and support their development. Find help with everything from introducing the potty and toilet independence, taking turns and sharing, to helping with shyness around starting school and managing separation anxiety.
From mid-August, there will be a special CBeebies Parenting Download episode exploring how confidence, communication, emotional reassurance and growing independence can all help children settle into a new environment. ... See MoreSee Less
www.nhs.uk
news.service.education.gov.uk
“ We’d love to welcome you and your little one to our free taster session today at St Mary's Playschool. It’s a wonderful chance to come along, have a play, meet some of our friendly team, and get a feel for our warm and welcoming setting. We can’t wait to meet you both and share a little glimpse of all the fun and learning we have to offer! www.stmarysplayschool.co.uk/ ... See MoreSee Less
Please get in touch to book your place and bring your little one along to our next free taster session. Funded places available for September starters . Please take a look at our website to find out more www.stmarysplayschool.co.uk/ ... See MoreSee Less
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