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Join our team

Early Years Educator Role

Come and be part of something a little bit different...

Wildlings isn’t your typical preschool. We are a small, passionate and dedicated team providing children aged 2–5 with a unique early years experience across our welcoming hall and beautiful ancient woodland setting.

We are looking for an inspiring, passionate and qualified Early Years Educator to join our team. For the right person, there may also be an opportunity to take on a leadership role, supporting and developing both our practitioners and our provision.

This is ideally a full-time position, although we may consider part-time hours for the right candidate.

You will need to hold a minimum of a Level 3 or full and relevant Early Years qualification, or QTS.

🌿 What makes Wildlings different?

At Wildlings, we keep our numbers in each session low so that our practitioners can build strong relationships with the children and provide the high-quality interactions that are at the heart of our practice.

We employ highly qualified and experienced staff who have the time, knowledge and skills to really get to know the children, notice the small moments and respond to their individual needs and interests.

We believe children are capable, competent individuals who learn best when they feel safe, valued and trusted. We follow their interests, encourage curiosity and give them the freedom to explore, take appropriate risks, solve problems and have a go.

Our practice is influenced by Forest School, Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches, alongside our own experience and understanding of what works for the children in our care.

Being outside is an important part of our curriculum, and we spend time outdoors throughout the year, whatever the weather. We believe nature gives children incredible opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, independence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning. We are looking for someone who genuinely shares this way of thinking.

🌱 About you

You will be someone who wants to become a part of the Wildlings community — taking the time to understand our approach, immerse yourself in our way of working and contribute to the continued development of our provision.

You will be:

Warm, calm and responsive and experienced in working with children aged 2–5.
Warm, caring and able to build strong, trusting relationships with children and their families.
Skilled at observing and spotting the teachable moments in children's play, following children’s interests and knowing when to step in and when to step back.
Experienced in providing high-quality interactions that support and extend children’s learning.
Able to really get to know children and respond to their individual needs, interests and development.
Confident in supporting children’s independence, encouraging them to have a go, solve problems and take appropriate risks.
Creative, adaptable and able to think on your feet.
A reflective team player who communicates openly, listens to others, shares ideas and enjoys learning from colleagues.
Curious and open-minded, with a genuine interest in developing your own practice.
Familiar with Forest School, Reggio Emilia or Montessori approaches, or enthusiastic about developing your understanding of them.
Someone with a genuine love and respect for the natural world who is happy getting muddy and spending time outdoors in all weathers.

🌳 The Practical Bit

The starting date for the role will be 4th January 2027.

We work outdoors all year round, whatever the weather, so you will need to be physically fit enough for an active role in sometimes challenging conditions. Our woodland site is not accessible by public transport, so please consider your travel options before applying.

Our base rate of pay is £13.46 per hour with additions depending on experience, qualifications and responsibilities within Wildlings, in line with our internal pay scale. This can be discussed further at interview.

💚 What we can offer you

🌱Value and Recognition: A supportive working environment where you will be valued for the amazing work you do. At Wildlings, we respect and value both children and staff for the unique individuals they are, recognising the different strengths, qualities and experiences that each person brings to our community.

🌱Professional Development: We believe there is always more to learn. We actively support professional development and further training. We want our practitioners to develop, grow and feel confident in their practice.

🌱Time to Focus on the Children: You will have dedicated time each week for paperwork, planning and other responsibilities. This means that when you are with the children, you can focus on what really matters — being present, responsive and engaged, and enhancing and extending their learning and development.

🌱Holidays and Flexibility: We are a term-time-only setting, open for 39 weeks of the year and following Derbyshire Local Authority term dates. Holidays cannot normally be taken during term time, but you will receive 5.6 weeks' paid holiday per year, pro rata. We understand that life can sometimes throw unexpected things at us and that there may be times when you need some flexibility. Where possible, we will try to accommodate changes to hours or days, provided we can maintain safe staffing and cover within the team.

🌱An Inspiring Place to Work: Imagine spending your working days with a friendly and supportive team in our cosy, inviting hall, or surrounded by trees, fresh air and curious children who are encouraged to explore the world around them.

We believe the outdoors has a positive impact on wellbeing, not just for children but for our staff team too. You will have the opportunity to spend time in nature, be inspired by the children and help them discover the world around them.

🌱Career Progression: For the right person there will be opportunity to take on a leadership role, and there will also be opportunities to support and inspire the wider team, plan and deliver training, share your own strengths and ideas, and help shape the future of Wildlings.

🌿 Could you be a Wildling?

We are looking for someone who will embrace what makes Wildlings special. Someone who is excited by muddy boots, curious children, big ideas and the natural world. Someone who believes children are capable, enjoys giving them the freedom to have a go, and understands when to step in and when to step back.

You’ll need to be someone who enjoys working as part of a close team, values good communication and is happy to share ideas, support others and keep learning along the way.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about children, enjoys being outdoors and wants to make a difference to the children and families who become part of the Wildlings community.

🌳If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us for an application form.🌳

Closing date for applications: 2nd November 2026

**All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an appropriate DBS check.