Lunch Cover Practitioner

1 week ago

Arborfield RG DY, United Kingdom Happy Trails Play Full time £13,000 - £19,200 per year

Dear Future Lunch Cover Practitioner,

Let's get one thing straight from the start:

If you're after an ordinary nursery job… this isn't it.

At Happy Trails Play, we don't blend in —

we set the tone.

Purpose-driven, Impactful, Hilarious personalities and NO GOSSIPING over here

A place where creativity thrives, children shine, and the team feels like family — the high-performing kind.

We're growing something genuinely special here in Shinfield, and we're searching for that one standout practitioner (Monday to Friday 11.00am to 2.30pm who brings heart, energy, capability, and a spark that lights up the room.

Someone who fits right in with a team that is:

authentic, unapologetic, warm, funny, deeply skilled, and ridiculously passionate about what we do.

If you don't know us yet, hit our Instagram.

Once you see the vibe… you won't forget it.

The Role (Lunch Cover)

Hours: 10:30am–2:30pm OR 11:00am–2:30pm, Monday to Friday

Required: Level 2 or Level 3 qualified practitioner

You'll be the magic that keeps our day flowing — supporting the team during the busiest stretch of the day and bringing positive energy into every moment.

What You'll Be Doing (the real version)

  • Getting stuck into activities that actually matter to the children.
  • Teaching & playing with intent — always linking back to the EYFS to make learning meaningful.
  • Stepping in as a practitioner, helping the team run like clockwork.
  • Supporting with mealtimes, nappies and toileting, naps — all done the HTP way.
  • Being present, engaging, and part of the children's world.
  • Keeping the space tidy, organised and full of good vibes.

What Makes Us Wildly DifferentCooking Club

Children cook with real chefs in a purpose-built children's kitchen.

We don't play with plastic food — we chop, mix, taste and explore.

Gardening Club

An allotment, an outdoor learning expert (Outdoor Mandy is legendary), bug hotels, tomatoes, compost & curiosity.

It's not just outdoor play — it's hands-on learning.

Staff Wellbeing that Means Something

Not buzzwords.

Actual wellbeing: events, surprises, socials, support, training and fun.

A Team You'll Actually Love Working With

Supportive. Creative. Driven. Warm.

You won't just cover lunch… you'll join the dream team.

What You Get

  • Blendies — our in-house smoothies, on the house.
  • A leadership team genuinely obsessed with staff wellbeing.
  • 30 days holiday + bank holidays (yes… more than most places).
  • Christmas to New Year OFF — every year, no guilt, no questions.
  • £2,000 refer-a-friend bonus because we invest in great people.
  • Training, growth and career progression within a thriving setting.
  • A workplace full of energy, purpose and team spirit.
  • Staff wellbeing events all year round as part of The HT Wellbeing Programme.

Who We're Looking For

  • Someone who gets children and loves the chaos, laughter and magic.
  • Someone organised, proactive and confident in the room.
  • Someone who communicates and collaborates — not someone who hides in the corner.
  • Someone kind, positive and always willing to learn.
  • Experience is great — but attitude always wins.

And yes — you must be Level 2 or 3 qualified.

Sound like you?

Then don't sit on this.

We're ready to offer an excellent package for the right person.

Click Apply, or message us for a friendly, confidential chat.

At Happy Trails Play, we don't just care for children. We grow people — big and small.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £13.00-£16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 17.5 – 20 per week

Benefits:

  • Company pension
  • Employee mentoring programme
  • Health & wellbeing programme
  • Referral programme

Experience:

  • Nursery: 4 years (required)

Work Location: In person

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