Preschool Practitioner

GET INVOLVED – WORK FOR US – BE DRIVEN BY THE GOOD WE DO

Do you want to make a genuine difference to society and for those in need?

Are you looking for your next exciting challenge?

Do you want to work for an organisation that cares about you, values you and looks forward to what we can do together?

Then come and join the team at YMCA Cheltenham as a

Preschool Practitioner in the New Year, initially, on a fixed term contract until the end of March 2026

We are looking to recruit a Preschool Practitioner, based at Cherry Blossom Preschool, St Barnabas Church, Cheltenham, with a sense of social purpose to help improve the lives of others and make a lasting difference in the lives of children throughout the County of Gloucestershire.

In return, you will receive a generous pension, life assurance, excellent ancillary benefits and you will become part of the YMCA Cheltenham family.

Being part of YMCA Cheltenham includes free gym membership for you and your household, as well as being invited to our fun and annual events exclusively for you and your family. You will also have access to training and professional development opportunities for your entire career with us.

The role is 21 hours a week, working Wednesday to Friday, 8.00am-3.30pm (term-time only), on a fixed term contract until the end of March 2026 (in the first instance).

Salary is up to £12,994 per annum, based on working 21 hours per week, term-time.

The salary is dependent on relevant skills, experience and qualifications.

ABOUT YOU

We are inviting applications for the role of Preschool Practitioner, based at Cherry Blossom Preschool, St Barnabas Church, Cheltenham.

The successful candidate will require a Level 3 in a relevant field, or a willingness to achieve this.

You will be comfortable working in a team, and also be able to manage your own workload with minimum supervision. You will have effective interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain good working relationships throughout the whole organisation. Ideally, you will have previous experience of working in a Preschool Practitioner role.

ABOUT US

YMCA Cheltenham, founded in 1855, is a registered charity and has become a leading provider of supported housing for the most vulnerable in Cheltenham and Gloucester, alongside other works sports facilities, affordable housing and other charitable activities.

Organisational Values

YMCA Cheltenham is an organisation founded on Christian values and, as such, employees may encounter behaviours, artefacts, or other elements particular to or representative of the Christian faith in their workplace.

As an organisation founded upon the Christian Faith, YMCA Cheltenham draws its Values from the Bible, principally as described in Micah 6:8. Our Values are therefore expressed as follows:

OUR VALUES

YMCA Cheltenham will OPERATE with Equity, Integrity, Openness and Honesty.

YMCA Cheltenham will ENGAGE with Empathy, Kindness, Generosity and Grace.

YMCA Cheltenham will BE Thoughtful, Discrete, Ethical and Respectful to all.

Employees are not required to adhere to the Christian faith, nor any faith, and no such consideration is made by the organisation in employment choices nor in delivering its services – however, we do expect all employees to demonstrate the list of Values shown while in the workplace.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Preschool Practitioner will be based at St Barnabas Church, working in the Preschool Team for YMCA Cheltenham. They will be in charge of a number of children and will help ensure that the children have an educational and interesting visit each and every day.

ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER

The organisation recognise that employees need a good balance between work and life.

We provide:

· 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, for full time employees (pro-rated for part time employees), which goes up after two years length of service, up to a maximum of a further 5 days annual leave

· Two additional wellbeing days, for full time employees (pro-rated for part time employees).

· Colleague discount and rewards from hundreds of leading on-line and high street retailers.

· Cycle to work scheme.

· Generous contributory pension scheme.

· Company sick pay.

· Life Assurance of two times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones.

· Free Health club cash plan, which offers money off glasses, dentistry and provides GP and consultant support. This also provides independent personal, workplace and financial advice.

· Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people.

· Free use of the organisation's sports facilities.

· Comprehensive training programme for all staff across the organisation to help develop each and every member of the team.

We are committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their age, gender, disability, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation or faith. We have procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

YMCA Cheltenham is committed to following safer recruitment guidelines. In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be able to demonstrate they have evidence to be eligible to live and work in the UK. Successful candidates will need to provide two satisfactory references, undergo a DBS check and demonstrate full employment history.

YMCA Cheltenham is wholly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 3 months

Pay: Up to £12,994.00 per year

Expected hours: 21 per week

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bereavement leave
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free fitness classes
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Application question(s):

• Are you 18+ years of age?

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 05/01/2026