Early Year Childcare Practitioner

Permanent: Full-Time (37 hrs/week over 4 days, 52 weeks/year)
Location: Hackthorpe, Cumbria, CA10 2HT
Salary: Dependent on qualification level
Level 2 – PCD 4 £25,583 prop rata (hourly rate £13.30)
Level 3 – PCD5 £25,989 pro rata (hourly rate £13.47)
Start Date: Monday, 1st June 2026 or as soon as possible after this date

Join Our Early Years Team
Lowther Endowed School and Little VIPs Day Care are seeking a warm, enthusiastic and committed Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join our vibrant, child centred setting. Nestled in the beautiful Eden Valley, we provide a nurturing environment where children thrive and staff feel valued and supported.

Key Responsibilities (Level 2/3)
•    Deliver high quality care and learning opportunities in line with the EYFS
•    Observe, assess, and plan for children’s next steps
•    Build positive and trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues
•    Maintain accurate developmental records
•    Follow all safeguarding, health & safety and statutory requirements

About You
We welcome applicants who are:
•    Qualified Level 2 Practitioners, or
•    Qualified Level 3 Practitioners.

You should bring:
•    A genuine passion for working with young children
•    A nurturing, positive and proactive approach
•    Good communication and teamwork skills
•    A willingness to learn and develop professionally

All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check.

Why Join Us?
Alongside a supportive, friendly working environment, we offer an excellent benefits package:

Staff Benefits
•    Free wraparound care for your own children
•    Reduced nursery fees at Little VIPs Day Care
•    4 day working week for full time staff (condensed hours)
•    Westmorland & Furness Council contract including: 
o    Local Government Pension Scheme
o    25 days annual leave (full time) plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after 5 years of service 
o    Occupational sick pay
•    Free mental health and occupational health support
•    Beautiful rural location with exceptional outdoor learning opportunities
•    Regular CPD and strong support for apprentices and qualified staff
•    The chance to make a meaningful difference in young children’s early lives

Interested? Come and Visit Us!
We warmly welcome visits.

Please contact:
•    Headteacher: Michelle Clark – head@lowther.cumbria.sch.uk
•    Nursery Manager: Hayley Fassam – hayley.fassam@lowther.cumbria.sch.uk

More information: www.lowther.cumbria.sch.uk

How to Apply

Please send completed applications to: head@lowther.cumbria.sch.uk

Closing Date for applications: Monday, 18th May 2026 at 12pm
Short Listing: PM on Monday, 18th May 2026
Interviews: either Wednesday, 20th or Thursday, 21st May 2026