Early Years Practitioner

About the School - Brighton College Prep Kensington:
Brighton College Prep Kensington is a happy and vibrant school for girls and boys aged 2 to 13 years.

An exciting, bright and buzzing family school, we are well known for our welcoming atmosphere, high academic standards and exceptional pastoral care. We want our pupils both to enjoy school and be inspired to achieve their full potential.

Our unique location in the heart of Kensington allows us to use the very best of London as our classroom. We make use of all the capital has to offer to enhance our pupil's learning. With the Natural History Museum, the V&A, Hyde Park and the Science Museum on our doorstep, plus so many more awe-inspiring landmarks, we have access to the very best educational and cultural highlights as part of our daily school life.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years Practitioner to join our fantastic team.

Brighton College Prep Kensington provides a warm, inclusive, and carefully structured Early Years environment in which children feel safe, valued, and supported to develop independence and positive learning behaviours. The Early Years Practitioner works closely with the Nursery Teacher to support high-quality EYFS provision and pupils' wellbeing.

About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.

About the Brighton College Family of Schools:
Brighton College Prep Kensington is a proud member of the Brighton College Family of Schools which includes Brighton College, three other UK based Prep Schools and a growing network of schools around the world. Brighton College is synonymous with academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a commitment to the Arts, Sports and extracurricular pursuits.

Being a member of both Cognita and the Brighton College Family offers significant development opportunities and collaboration for our staff.

About the Role:
In this role, you will support the delivery of a warm, nurturing, and high?quality Early Years environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to develop independence and positive learning behaviours. Working closely with the Nursery Teacher and the wider Early Years team, you will help plan and deliver engaging EYFS activities, contribute to a calm and stimulating learning environment, and support children across all areas of their development. You will play an important part in observing pupils, contributing to assessments and record?keeping, and promoting their wellbeing, confidence and personal growth. Through your professionalism, care, and commitment to the school's values, you will help ensure an exceptional Early Years experience for every child.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a proposed start date in the new academic year in September 2026.

To view our job description, please click here.

Who We Are Looking For:
We are looking for a warm, patient and child?centred Early Years practitioner who is committed to providing an exceptional start for young learners. You will bring a genuine passion for Early Years education and the ability to work collaboratively within a nurturing, high?quality setting.

Essential qualities you will bring:
*A Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent (or a willingness to work towards this)
*A secure understanding of EYFS practice and how young children learn
*Experience supporting children's learning and wellbeing in an Early Years setting
*Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships
*A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to children's welfare
*A warm, patient and child?centred approach in every aspect of your practice

Desirable attributes:
*Experience working in an independent school or other high?quality Early Years setting
*An understanding of observation and assessment to support pupil progress
*A commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice

Benefits at Cognita:
*Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
*Enrolment in our company's pension scheme
*Free lunch and refreshments provided during Term Time
*Generous school holidays and public holidays
*School fee discount
*Exclusive third-party discounts
*Ongoing professional development

How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date: 3rd July 2026 (however early applications are encouraged).

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.