Early Years Practitioner New

Location: Denton, Greater Manchester
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term
Pay: £95–£110 per day, dependent on experience

Nurture Young Minds and Help Children Take Their First Steps

Smile Education is currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join a welcoming primary school in the Denton area of Greater Manchester, part of the Enquire Learning Trust (ELT).

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Early Years Practitioner who enjoys working with young children and is passionate about creating a warm, stimulating and supportive learning environment.

The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting children's early development, encouraging curiosity and independence while helping each child build the confidence and skills they need for their next stage of learning.

About the Setting
The school provides a caring and inclusive environment where children are encouraged to explore, communicate and learn through engaging experiences.

The Early Years provision places importance on learning through play, developing strong relationships and ensuring children feel safe, happy and confident within the classroom.

You will be joining a supportive team that values collaboration, consistency and a child-centred approach.

The school promotes:

• A welcoming and nurturing atmosphere.
• High expectations for children's learning and development.
• Learning through purposeful play and practical experiences.
• Positive behaviour and respectful relationships.
• Strong communication between staff and families.
• Support for children's individual needs and development.
• Independence, confidence and curiosity.
• Inclusive practice and equal opportunities.
• Safeguarding and children's wellbeing.

Located in Denton, the school is easily accessible for candidates travelling from surrounding areas including Audenshaw, Hyde, Droylsden, Gorton, Openshaw and Ashton-under-Lyne. The area offers a mixture of established residential communities, local amenities, green spaces and convenient transport links towards Manchester and surrounding parts of Tameside.

Your Role
As a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, you will support the delivery of high-quality Early Years provision and help create an environment where young children can learn, play and develop confidently.

You will work closely with the class teacher and wider Early Years team to ensure children receive consistent support throughout their day.

Key responsibilities

• Supporting learning through play and carefully planned activities.
• Helping children develop their communication, language and social skills.
• Supporting children's personal, social and emotional development.
• Encouraging independence and positive behaviour.
• Creating engaging and age-appropriate learning experiences.
• Observing children's development and contributing to assessment.
• Supporting individual children according to their needs and abilities.
• Working effectively with the class teacher and wider school team.
• Helping maintain a safe, organised and stimulating learning environment.
• Supporting daily routines, including mealtimes and personal care where required.
• Encouraging positive relationships between children.
• Communicating appropriately with parents, carers and colleagues.
• Following safeguarding, health and safety and school policies.
• Contributing to the wider life of the Early Years setting.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a practitioner who is enthusiastic, caring and committed to giving young children the best possible start to their education.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Previous experience working within an Early Years setting.
• A minimum of 6 months' UK experience working with children.
• Good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Experience supporting learning through play.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A calm, patient and nurturing approach.
• The ability to build positive relationships with young children.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A proactive and flexible attitude.
• A genuine passion for supporting children's development.

Why Join Smile Education?
Working with Smile Education gives you access to dedicated recruitment support and a range of opportunities within primary schools across the region.

You will benefit from:

• £95–£110 per day, paid weekly.
• Full-time and long-term opportunities.
• Access to opportunities across the Enquire Learning Trust network.
• A dedicated consultant to support you throughout your placement.
• Regular updates on suitable Early Years opportunities.
• Support with registration and compliance.
• Access to professional development and CPD opportunities.
• The opportunity to build valuable experience within primary school settings.
• £100 Joining Bonus after completing your first 10 days of work.*
• £200 Referral Bonus when you successfully refer a friend or colleague who completes the qualifying period.*

Registration & Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a key priority for Smile Education and our partner schools.

Before starting work, successful applicants will need to complete the required registration and compliance checks, which may include:

• Enhanced DBS checks.
• Right to Work verification.
• Identity checks.
• Qualification verification.
• Employment and professional references.
• Safeguarding checks.
• Online searches where required under Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Please note: Smile Education is unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner looking for a new opportunity in Denton from September 2026, we would be delighted to hear from you.

This is a great opportunity to join a supportive primary school where your experience, creativity and passion for Early Years education can make a genuine difference to children's learning and development.

Apply today through Smile Education and take the next step in your Early Years career.

*Terms and qualifying conditions apply to joining and referral bonuses.

SM1ENQ

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.