Early Years Educator (Maternity Cover)

About the School - Little Downsend, Ashtead:
Little Downsend Ashtead is the perfect place for little learners to begin their exciting adventures. Based on a lovely, quiet leafy street, in a large Victorian house, Little Downsend Ashtead has a warm and cosy feeling about it that children and parents both love. Children here are happy and settled, gently introduced to playful learning and socialising by a team of dedicated, qualified teachers. Class sizes are deliberately small, so even from the very beginning, we can provide children with the very best start, encouraging them to explore the world around them.

At each of our Little Downsend schools, we instil the same nurture, innovation, love of life, dynamic energy and high standards, supported by experienced and passionate teachers.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years Educator (Maternity Cover) to join our fantastic team.

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 is proudly unique; however, our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

About the Role:

Hours: 23.75 hours per week over 2.5 days (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays). 7:45 am-4 pm with a 30-minute unpaid break + 4- 6 pm Extended Days on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:45 am- 12 pm on Fridays
Employment type: Part-time, 52 weeks per year, Fixed-term Maternity Cover contract, 02.11.2026-31.08.2027

As an Early Years Educator at Little Downsend, you will play a vital role in supporting the education, welfare and personal development of young children within a caring, inclusive and engaging environment. You will work closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality learning experiences that encourage children to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. In this rewarding role, you will support children's daily learning and wellbeing, provide personal care when required, promote positive behaviour and help create a safe, stimulating and well-organised setting where every child can thrive. You will build strong professional relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues, contribute to wraparound care provision and participate in school events, training and professional development activities. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children will be at the heart of everything you do, ensuring that each child feels supported, valued and able to reach their full potential.

To view our Role Profile, click here.

Who We Are Looking For:
You will hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) and have experience working with young children in a nursery, pre-school or school setting. You will have a strong understanding of child development and be passionate about delivering high-quality early years education and care. You will be a positive and caring individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work collaboratively as part of a team and build effective relationships with children and families. You will also be confident supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing, promoting positive behaviour and maintaining a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment. A strong commitment to safeguarding is essential, along with the ability to manage priorities effectively and contribute positively to the wider nursery community. Knowledge of the EYFS framework and experience working with children aged 0-2 years would be advantageous.

Benefits at Cognita:
*Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
*Enrolment in our company's pension scheme
*Free lunch provided during Term Time
*School holidays and public holidays
*Free parking on site (subject to availability)
*School fee discount
*Exclusive third-party discounts
*Ongoing professional development

How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date: 23:59 BST (UTC+1), Sunday 2nd August 2026.

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 the closing date for the right applicant.