Are you interested in working at our outdoor preschool?

‘Being outside in nature is one of the best bits of the job whatever the weather. You won’t find any of what our natural environment has to offer inside four walls.’ - Carol

‘I enjoy working outside as it doesn’t feel overwhelming with noise and carnage and the children are calmer allowing them to be children, in a larger natural environment, and to use their imagination while learning.’  - Kirsty

‘Working outside definitely improves my mood and energy levels. It keeps me on the move but at times I get a few moments to just stand and enjoy our wonderful surroundings, watch the trees or the squirrels running around. I feel a relief when we get outside even in the rain, it's great to be able to get outside and splash in the puddles and be in the fresh air. It is definitely great for physical and mental health.’ - Emma

‘I won't lie, there are days when it's been raining for 3 days or the mercury's dropping and you think ‘ohhh’. I don't particularly like winter but you soon learn its all in the layering of clothes to keep warm. The mild weather is lovely.  Once you get used to being outside it seems harder work being inside.’ - Julie

‘Working outside is sometimes like a rollercoaster, you never know if the sun will shine or the heavens will open, however this doesn’t stop you from enjoying your time with the children providing you are wearing the right clothing. I enjoy splashing in the puddles with the children, sitting in the sunshine reading a book or sledging down the hill when it snows.’ - Sarah

‘Being in the space of the outdoors gives the feeling of calm and connection to the flora and fauna around you. A busy session can seem only half full with the space the children have to access. The children are better focused because they are able to run off that extra energy which allows them the full capacity to learn. Working and playing outdoors is the perfect recipe for great personal wellbeing for both children and adults alike.’ - Carol

‘It benefits the staff and children, builds the immune system and generally bugs don't spread around, I feel the children and myself learn outside the box using natural resources.’ - Kirsty

‘The children benefit greatly from the freedom they feel having the outside to explore. It helps to regulate them and ground them. They find watching the leaves blowing in the trees calming. The feel of the mud and sand for them is a great sensory input. Being outside helps them focus on other tasks they carry out. I think it helps to reduce children's anxiety and stress levels.’ - Emma

‘Fresh air, it's healthier,  I don’t think I have had a cold in the last year. Children can express themselves more freely with movement and noise. You have a much bigger space to manage and communication with each other is vital.’ - Julie

‘We are in the privileged position that we get to teach the children through real life experiences. They watch as the seeds they plant and water carefully, grow into the snack which they eat. They learn that we trust them to leave the setting with us and cross a road safely. They learn how to buy goods from the local shop and to enjoy a hike across the fields. Being outdoors gives them the ability to learn everything they could possibly learn indoors and 100% more!’ - Carol

‘It's great for their physical development with the different terrains. It helps with their social skills and their confidence.’ - Kirsty

‘We teach through real life experiences, influenced by nature and the changing seasons, the outdoors presents learning scenarios and challenges that cannot be found in a classroom and our own curriculum reflects this.’ - Julie

‘It is different but when you get your head around the fact you can teach everything you teach inside outside it falls into place. There are many interesting learning opportunities when outside. Surrounded by nature, taking advantage of the environment I have learnt so much.’ - Kirsty

‘At Clophill Preschool, we encourage all our staff to be the best they can be and support them 100% in their journey with us. Whether that is training given in house or courses to go on, support with your role as a keyworker, help with any challenges you face or simply a jacket potato and cheese warming in the oven for your lunch on a Monday to ease you back in to the working week!

Staff are encouraged to bring their own personality and experiences into their teaching and care of our children and as much value and importance is placed on this as any academic qualifications you may have. You are trusted and encouraged to try things out and have a go, it all adds to the richness of learning for our little ones which is why we are all here. Think of all the things you want in a great early years setting, team spirit, supportive colleagues, smiling faces, beautiful surroundings, access to a counsellor during paid work time, a staff wellbeing box stocked full of creams, face masks and chocolate, and amazing children to work with- well it’s all at Clophill preschool!’ - Carol

‘The best thing about working at Clophill Preschool has to be the passion and dedication that come from the top. The fact that you care so much shines through in all that is done and in turn this naturally passes down to the whole team. So, in short, the people that work at Clophill Preschool are the best thing.’ - Emma

‘I enjoy working at Clophill as it is a great atmosphere, you can have a laugh, the children and parents are very welcoming, they offer great opportunities to extend our knowledge, flexibility of working hours, supportive management and good wellbeing support (especially the chocolate in the box!).’ - Kirsty

‘Amazing surroundings. Very community minded. The managers always have the children's and staff’s wellbeing in mind. I have  worked in many settings and Clophill Preschool go that extra mile for their children and parents. It's why the setting is registered Outstanding for the second time. The staff are supporting of each other, the sense of humour helps.’ -Julie 

Probably the most important thing is a uniform for all weathers! We will give you a kit list of appropriate clothing to ensure your are warm (or cool, depending on the weather) and comfortable at all times, much of which we will pay for, including a warm waterproof coat and various other layers.

We hold termly INSET days and twilight sessions for all staff and offer a range of in-house and external training courses. You will be encouraged and supported to extend and develop your knowledge and understanding across Early Years and beyond delving into areas that take your interest.

Chris manages our induction program and we don’t expect you to hit the ground running. You will be supported and guided through how our setting works and our expectations of you. We have a dedicated Staff Information Page online for access to lots of useful articles and resources and you will get the opportunity to shadow another member of staff as your find your feet. Our support continues beyond your induction, and successful probationary period, to ensure you never feel on the back foot but empowered in your role.

Every key worker receives one paid afternoon every 2 weeks to complete their paperwork in setting.

All staff working a full day session is entitled to a paid 25 minute lunch break away from the children.

We have a strong central ethos to support wellbeing across the setting. For staff this means:

a staff wellbeing day once a year

regular sessions, should you wish, with our in-house counsellor Annette

Jacket Potato Monday where we provide you with a hot potato and fillings for your lunch every Monday

a wellbeing box with chocolate, biscuits, fruit, eye masks, bubble bath, candles and more - help yourself when you need a boost

free sanitary items available - just in case

team building events and end of term staff celebrations

employee of the month recognition

best attendance recognition

understanding and flexibility around family commitments e.g. children’s sports days

termly thank you gesture

and much more…

We are part of the Nest pension scheme. All eligible staff are entitled to 3% employer contribution; 5% employee contribution (subject to terms and conditions).

You will receive 13 weeks holiday every year, we also offer one Staff Wellbeing Day every autumn term a great opportunity to do your Christmas shopping!

You will get one Friday off ever 2-3 weeks (dependent on staffing).

We hold regular supervisions for all staff. Included in this is a wellbeing survey, safeguarding chat, celebration of personal achievements and target setting if appropriate.

We will pay for your Enhanced DBS check as well as organise and pay for training in First Aid, Safeguarding, Food Hygiene and Prevent, all of which are essential to your role.