Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Early Years Teacher

🎯 Role Definition

As an Early Years Teacher, you are the architect of the foundational learning journey for children aged 0-5. This pivotal role involves creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where young learners can thrive through play, exploration, and discovery. You will be responsible for designing and delivering a dynamic, child-centered curriculum (often based on the Early Years Foundation Stage - EYFS framework) that promotes the holistic development of each child—cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. Your passion for early childhood education will inspire a lifelong love of learning, build strong partnerships with parents, and ensure every child receives the support they need to reach their full potential.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) / Early Career Teacher (ECT)
Experienced Nursery Practitioner or Nursery Nurse
Teaching Assistant with relevant qualifications

Advancement To:

Lead Early Years Teacher / Room Leader
Head of Early Years / Phase Leader
Deputy Head or Head of a Nursery/Pre-School
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Lateral Moves:

Early Years Consultant or Advisor for a local authority
Educational Content Creator or Curriculum Developer
Childminder or setting up a private nursery

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, prepare, and deliver an outstanding, creative, and play-based curriculum that aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Foster a warm, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages curiosity, exploration, and a love for learning.
Conduct regular, meaningful observations and assessments of each child's development and learning journey, using tools like learning journals and digital portfolios.
Plan and implement differentiated activities that cater to the diverse needs, interests, and developmental stages of all children in your care, including those with SEN or EAL.
Establish and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring the well-being, health, and safety of all children at all times in accordance with school policies and statutory guidance.
Build and nurture positive, collaborative relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular feedback on their child's progress through meetings, reports, and informal communication.
Manage classroom resources effectively, ensuring a well-organized and stimulating learning space with accessible, age-appropriate materials.
Guide children in developing their social and emotional skills, including self-regulation, empathy, sharing, and positive conflict resolution.
Lead and document a "key person" system, providing a secure and consistent point of contact for a specific group of children and their families.
Promote the development of early literacy and numeracy skills through engaging stories, songs, rhymes, and practical, hands-on activities.
Skillfully manage classroom behavior using positive reinforcement and developmentally appropriate strategies to create a calm and productive learning atmosphere.
Plan and supervise enriching outdoor learning experiences, recognizing the importance of physical activity and connection with nature for child development.
Work collaboratively with a team of teaching assistants and other practitioners, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure high-quality provision.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive records, including attendance, accident reports, and progress tracking, in line with regulatory requirements.
Organize and lead parent workshops and school events to foster a strong sense of community and support parental engagement in their child's education.
Continuously engage in professional development to stay current with best practices, pedagogical research, and new initiatives in early childhood education.
Facilitate a smooth and supportive transition process for children as they move into the next stage of their education, such as Reception or primary school.
Integrate technology appropriately into the learning environment to enhance activities and document progress, using tools like tablets and interactive whiteboards.
Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that all children and families feel valued, respected, and represented within the setting.
Monitor children's health, including dietary needs and allergies, and administer basic first aid when necessary, maintaining clear communication with parents.

Secondary Functions

Collaborate with colleagues on school-wide curriculum planning and policy development to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.
Participate actively in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional learning communities to contribute to the school's strategic goals.
Assist in organizing and supervising school-wide events, open days, and celebrations to promote the school within the wider community.
Contribute to the creation of inspiring learning displays around the classroom and school that celebrate children's work and learning processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep Knowledge of the EYFS Curriculum or equivalent early childhood framework.
Expertise in Child Development theories and milestones for ages 0-5.
Proficient in Observational Assessment Techniques and record-keeping.
Strong Classroom and Behavior Management Skills.
Competency in Phonics Instruction (e.g., Jolly Phonics, Letters and Sounds).
Certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR.
Knowledge of Safeguarding and Child Protection legislation and best practices.
Ability to plan differentiated, play-based learning activities.
Experience with SEN and EAL support strategies in an early years context.
Familiarity with parent communication and portfolio platforms (e.g., Tapestry, Seesaw, ClassDojo).
Ability to use educational technology such as smartboards and tablets.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Patience, Empathy, and a Nurturing Demeanor.
Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills.
Creativity, Imagination, and a sense of fun.
High levels of Adaptability and Flexibility.
Strong Teamwork and Collaborative Abilities.
Problem-Solving and Critical-Thinking Skills.
Outstanding Organization and Time-Management.
Enthusiasm and a genuine passion for educating young children.
Interpersonal skills to build rapport with children, parents, and colleagues.
Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), or a recognized equivalent teaching qualification.
Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
Specialized certifications, such as Forest School Leader, Montessori Diploma, or advanced training in Special Educational Needs.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Early Childhood Education
Child Development
Primary Education
Psychology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-10+ years. We welcome applications from both talented Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and highly experienced practitioners.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience working in a nursery, preschool, or primary school foundation stage setting.
Proven track record of raising attainment and fostering positive developmental outcomes for young children.
Experience as a "key person" and a solid understanding of building secure attachments.
Experience in a child-led, inquiry-based, or play-based learning environment.