Early Years Teacher

2 weeks ago

Leatherhead, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged 6-16 years attend the main, preparatory school site in Leatherhead.



While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

Little Downsend Leatherhead, located just a 5 minute walk from the Junior and Senior School, possesses its own special character, with large bright, well equipped classrooms, brimming with interactive activities. Little Downsend Leatherhead has the largest outdoor area of the three schools, with over an acre of garden space including playgrounds, astro turfed sports area and a magnificent forest school zone.


This is a full time Teaching role (Maternity cover), 5 days a week. Working hours are 8.30am - 4.00pm with a 30-minute unpaid break.



About Cognita

Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of diverse yet connected schools, spanning seventeen different countries. We share one common purpose: to deliver an outstanding holistic education that will enable our students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 100 schools in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the United States, we employ 18,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 90,000 students.


Our schools provide a truly holistic education based on rich and varied experiences that focus on social, emotional, physical and cognitive learning. This results in excellent academic outcomes for our students, who are also equipped with the agency, adaptability and positive attitudes to set them up for success in our fast changing world.


About the role

We are looking for a qualified EYT/EYPS/L6/QTS practitioner to teach a First Steps (2-3 year old) class during term time. Our teacher will have experience with this age range and understand the compliance and learning and development needs and requirements of working with EYFS children.

Key Responsibilities will include, (but not limited to):

  • To be responsible for the education, welfare and personal care of pupils, having regard to the aims and objectives of Downsend and Little Downsend School Policies
  • To maintain good order and discipline among pupils both on and off the school premises, to share in the responsibility for pastoral care of the pupils, including the safeguarding and promoting of children’s welfare
  • To support the Head of Little Downsend, Senior Leadership Team, staff and other professionals in the preparation of schemes of work, lesson plans and School Policies
  • To create and maintain a safe, organised, tidy and stimulating class environment
  • To participate in meetings at the School which relate to the curriculum and organisation of the school and the pastoral care of the pupils


For more details, please email michaela.abraham@downsend.co.uk for the full Job Description.



Who we are looking for:

To be considered for this role you will be a Qualified EYT/ EYPS/ NVQ6/ QTS practitioner and have a Teaching degree with Early Years Specialism or equivalent. We would also expect;

  • A thorough understanding of the EYFS
  • Excellent communication skills (oral, written and use of ICT);
  • Good organisational and administrative skills;
  • Ability to take the lead in supervising other supporting adults with the classroom.
  • Awareness of Health & Safety requirements and a thorough understanding of safeguarding.


Benefits at Cognita

  • Competitive salary
  • Pension
  • Cognita Care First - Employee Assistance Programme
  • School fees discount (conditions apply)
  • Lunch available
  • Cycle-to-work scheme
  • My Staff Shop - discounts for staff across a range of companies



Apply now

Please send a cover letter and completed application form to: michaela.abraham@downsend.co.uk. Please note we do not accept CVs without a fully completed application form.


EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.


Applicants who have not heard from us by the closing date must assume that, on this occasion, their application has been unsuccessful.


Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.


We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair and equitable in our recruitment process.

  • Early Years Teacher

    1 month ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Protocol Education Full time

    Early Years Teacher - Ashtead, Surrey£140-£150 Per DayFull-time Immediate StartWe are currently working alongside a fantastic Primary School in Ashtead who are looking for an ambitious, motivated and creative Early Years Teacher to join them ASAP!The role is offered as a fixed term cover, lasting until April, however there is the potential for it to...

  • Early Years Teacher

    3 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Protocol Education Full time

    Early Years Teacher - Ashtead, Surrey£140-£150 Per DayFull-time Immediate StartWe are currently working alongside a fantastic Primary School in Ashtead who are looking for an ambitious, motivated and creative Early Years Teacher to join them ASAP!The role is offered as a fixed term cover, lasting until April, however there is the potential for it to...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    Job Description About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school's three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Early Years Teaching Assistant

    1 month ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Protocol Education Full time

    Early Years Teaching Assistant - Leatherhead, Surrey£80-£90 Per DayFull-time Immediate StartHave you got a passion for working with young children and are you looking to build a career within Early Education and Childcare?We are now recruiting for an EYFS Teaching Assistant to join our Primary School in the Leatherhead area.AboutTo support the teacher in...

  • Early Years Teaching Assistant

    3 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Protocol Education Full time

    Early Years Teaching Assistant - Leatherhead, Surrey£80-£90 Per DayFull-time Immediate StartHave you got a passion for working with young children and are you looking to build a career within Early Education and Childcare?We are now recruiting for an EYFS Teaching Assistant to join our Primary School in the Leatherhead area.AboutTo support the teacher in...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Early Years Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Senior Early Years Practitioner

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom LMP Group Full time

    The RoleThis role is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience whilst working towardsand Deputy Manager, and will be accountable for pupil progress and development,working together to ensure the delivery of an appropriately balanced and relevant Earlywill work with children aged 2-4 years old but will work within the wider Early Yearsqualification...

  • Senior Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

    3 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom LMP Group Full time

    The Role This role is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience whilst working towards and Deputy Manager, and will be accountable for pupil progress and development, working together to ensure the delivery of an appropriately balanced and relevant Early will work with children aged 2-4 years old but will work within the wider Early...

  • Senior Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

    3 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom LMP Group Full time

    The Role **Apprenticeship Summary**: - Qualification: Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner - Duration: 26 months programme. - 35 hours per week, between the hours of 08.00 to 06.00pm Monday to Friday (shift times tbc). - Must have achieved Maths and English GCSE's to a grade C/4 or above (or functional skills equivalent) Plus prior qualifications in Early...

  • Foundation Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Foundation Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom Cognita Schools Full time

    About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged...

  • Year 6 Teacher

    4 weeks ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Wayman Education Full time

    Stimulating School in Leatherhead, Surrey | September Start We are working with a progressive primary school in Leatherhead, Surrey, Southeast England that is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Year 6 Teacher to join their team in September. The school prides itself on providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child is valued...

  • Year 6 Teacher

    1 month ago

    Leatherhead, United Kingdom Wayman Education Full time

    Stimulating School in Leatherhead, Surrey | September Start We are working with a progressive primary school in Leatherhead, Surrey, Southeast England that is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Year 6 Teacher to join their team in September. The school prides itself on providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child is valued...