We are recruiting an Early Years Practitioner with Level2/3 qualification in Early Years (term-time only) to come and join our Ofsted Outstanding SEN Nursery Provision/District Specialist Centre for children in Salisbury, South Wiltshire and surrounding areas. Job share/flexible working considered.
The John McNeill Opportunity Centre is a charitable specialist nursery catering for children from 0-5, committed to ensuring that every child with special educational needs, disabilities and difficulties gets the very best start in their early years. We strive to provide high quality early years education and care with highly trained staff, a high staff to child ratio and the support of visiting specialists (speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy) to optimise each child's developmental progress. It is a place where special children flourish.
About the role:
Early Years Practitioner, NVQ Level 2/3 (or willingness to train), to join our friendly and nurturing team. The ideal applicant will have a caring, friendly, positive attitude and be passionate about giving young children with additional difficulties and disabilities the best possible start.
You must have impeccable awareness of safeguarding and promote the welfare of all children, this is of particular importance due to the varying additional needs of the children who attend the Centre.
We are committed to equal opportunities and value the diversity of the community.
Main responsibilities will include:
* To deliver a high standard of learning, development and care for children aged 0-5 years and have knowledge and understanding of the EYFS.
* To deliver an appropriate play based EYFS curriculum that enables children to make individual progress and work with "Development Matters" curriculum guidance, and fulfilling statutory requirements within the EYFS.
* To provide a safe, caring, stimulating educational environment, both indoors and outdoors at all times.
* To ensure that the Centre is a safe environment for children, staff, parents, visiting professionals and all others.
* To develop effective, positive partnerships with parents/carers.
* To have excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
* To be able to work in partnership with other professionals e.g. therapists, to support the children and assist their developmental progress, and also with other agencies, including local authorities, SEN and Safeguarding teams.
* To work as a team providing support to other staff members of staff and also be able to work on your own initiative.
* To help ensure that the Centre meets OFSTED requirements at all times.
* Create fun and educational activities for the children and have the ability to support children with their development and learning.
* Knowledge and/or willingness to learn AAC.
* To assist children with their health care needs.
* To understand and work to the Centre's policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Child Protection and responding to incidents, accidents, emergencies and complaints appropriately.
* To ensure records are maintained e.g. incident and accident records.
* To be a key person and maintain a Learning Journey to be shared with parents with each key child and contribute to reports and assessments.
* To liaise closely with parents/carers informing them about the Centre, exchanging information about children's progress and encouraging parental involvement.
* To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed, in accordance with the Centre's aims and objectives, including fundraising activities.
* To attend staff meetings and participate in relevant training.
Please note; the duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive or restrictive and other duties relevant to this post may be added. This job description may be reviewed in the future.
If you have any queries regarding the vacancy, please contact the centre on
Closing date Friday 26th September 2025
To request an application pack, please send a copy of your CV with a covering letter to:
The Manager
The John McNeill Opportunity Centre
Odstock Road
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP2 8BH
email:
The John McNeill Opportunity Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
At The John McNeill Opportunity Centre, we believe that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognise we have a responsibility to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of all children and young people. We are committed to practice which protects and promotes the best outcomes for each child.
Background checks, references and and an enhanced DBS will be required.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £12.21 per hour
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person