Early Years Class Teacher

Job description / Role

Job overview

Clowns Nursery is relentlessly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Summary of the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Early Years Teacher to join our established, dynamic, and experienced team to cover a maternity leave position in the rising 4 year old class. We invite passionate educators to be part of and contribute to our vibrant learning community.

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic, dedicated Early Years Teacher or ECT who is passionate about providing engaging, creative, and ambitious learning experiences for children within a warm and nurturing environment. They would be looking to advance their career in an inspiring setting that prioritises inclusivity, values the wellbeing of staff and children, and promotes continuous professional development.

Role type: Term-time (Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm).

Start date: 5th January 2026

Salary: £32,000-£42,000, depending on qualifications, skill and previous experience

Our vision and ethos

We believe learning should be purposeful, experiential, and filled with awe and wonder. Our approach fosters curiosity, discovery, and meaningful experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning. It is rooted in the latest educational and pedagogical research, ensuring a dynamic environment where both children and staff can thrive.

Community is at the heart of Clowns. We are a supportive team where every member of staff feels truly valued. We celebrate staff’s individual passions and cultural capital; if you love yoga, why not start a yoga club?

The Head knows every child and staff member personally, and leads with an open-door policy, believing in collaboration over hierarchy, and guiding the nursery with genuine care and dedication. The Head has high expectations, ensuring a safe, inspiring, and challenging environment for children to reach their potential.

If you are looking for a teacher-led, reputable independent nursery which champions professional development, educational excellence, and fun, we would love to hear from you.

Staff wellbeing

At Clowns Nursery, we believe wellbeing starts with us. That’s why we offer staff members the opportunity to take part in a 10-week, evidence-based Wellbeing and Resilience Programme, led by our dedicated Cognitive Development and Wellbeing Lead. By investing in our own wellbeing, we not only become better role models of emotional regulation for the children but also create a positive, supportive environment where both children and staff can thrive.

Growth mindset

The Growth Mindset Theory is at the heart of our practice, with the aim of fostering resilience, confidence, and a “have-a-go” attitude. These lifelong skills shape how children approach challenges, setbacks, and learning opportunities as they navigate the world around them. We’re looking for candidates who share our passion for this approach and embrace a Growth Mindset in their own practice.

What we are looking for

• An outstanding, creative, energetic classroom practitioner with a sense of humour and high expectations of themselves and others.
• An excellent communicator with secure subject knowledge.
• A team player who contributes to the wider nursery community forming positive relationships with colleagues, children and parents.
• An individual with the skills and confidence to lead a team of up to 4 practitioners and support their understanding of Birth to Five Matters.

What we offer

• Happy, enthusiastic, and articulate children with a love of learning and high standards of behaviour.
• Longstanding and experienced Head and Senior Management Team.
• Frequent opportunities for continuous professional development.
• Highly qualified staff with rooms led by qualified teachers or experienced Team Leaders.
• High staff to child ratios.
• The chance to join a forward-thinking team, dedicated to continuous professional development.
• A bright and airy purpose-built nursery with specialist extracurricular teaching staff.
• A bespoke curriculum created to engage, support and challenge our children.
• A beautiful location a stone’s throw from Hampstead Heath, Golders Hill Park and Sandy Wood, our Forest School site.

Essential requirements for the role

Candidates must:

• Have right to work in the UK or be eligible for a sponsorship visa. Sponsorship is only available for candidates with proof of a relevant level 6 qualification or above.
• Have a relevant degree (e.g. QTS in Primary Education), Early Years Teacher Status or a full and relevant Level 5 Qualification or above.
• Have at least 2 years experience working within Early Years.
• Have a sound knowledge and understanding of, and be able to comply with, the EYFS.
• Have an awareness and growing understanding of the new Ofsted requirements, particularly Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
• Have a registered DBS certificate on the update service or have adequate documents to make an application.
• Be committed to equality and diversity.

Application process

Please note that CVs are not accepted as a form of application, although you may include a copy of your CV in addition to the completed application form. Applicants must be willing to complete an application for an Enhanced DBS certificate and provide two reference contacts. The closing date for all applications is midday on Friday 17 October 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on Thursday 23 October and/or Friday 24 October 2025.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to spend a day in the setting to meet the children and staff. Applicants will be asked to complete written and practical tasks, including planning and teaching a lesson, details of which will be sent out in the shortlist confirmation email.