Early Years Practitioner and Playworker

Early Years Practitioner and Playworker

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours (including 5 hours a week as a Playworker)

Working Pattern: 8.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday (This will include a 30 minute unpaid lunch break and 1 hour as a Playworker)

Salary: Pathway 3, £19,547 - £20,846 per annum (FTE £28,153 - £30,023)

plus Playworker salary - Pathway 1, £2,888 per annum (FTE £25,614)

Site: Upwood Primary Academy

Closing date: 9am on Monday 19th Oct

Start date: ASAP

Please note the trust may decide to withdraw the advert before the closing date or interview suitable candidates prior to the advert closing.

Do you spark Wonder in every child?

Do you build relationships rooted in Respect?

Do you approach each day with Optimism?

Can you inspire Gratitude while helping children thrive?

If so, Upwood Primary Academy would love to hear from you.

Your role:

As an Early Years Practitioner and Playworker at Upwood Primary Academy, you will support our youngest learners to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Working as part of a dedicated team, you will create engaging learning and play experiences that help children develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.

We are looking for a caring and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. You will be skilled at building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues and committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported.

Previous Early Years experience is desirable. We would also welcome applications from qualified Nursery Nurses who are keen to bring their expertise into a primary school setting and develop their career within a supportive school environment.

About us:

At Upwood Primary Academy, we believe in Working Hard, Dreaming Big! and helping every child become the very best version of themselves. Our welcoming school community is built on the values of Gratitude, Respect, Optimism and Wonder, and we are looking for someone who will bring these values to life every day. Staff benefit from a collaborative team culture, a strong focus on wellbeing and opportunities for professional development as part of the Thomas Deacon Education Trust.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to children's lives every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Why work for us?:

Join Thomas Deacon Education Trust and be part of a dedicated team committed to "working together to transform lives through education.” To learn more about the benefits we have on offer, check out our video here: Employee Benefits

At TDET, 95% of our new employees highly rate our induction programme. Benefit from the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, ensuring you feel welcomed and well-prepared from day one. According to our 2025 staff survey, 91% of staff are proud to work for TDET!

Ready to transform lives through education? Apply now and make a difference!

TDET - Working together to transform lives through education

Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Academy will require the successful candidate to provide satisfactory references and undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

At Thomas Deacon Education Trust, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Join us in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all contributions are valued.

If you have any questions regarding this post, please contact the HR Team on e-mail at [email removed]