Childcare Educator

NOW HIRING: Lunch Cover Practitioner (Level 2/3)Join the Most Innovative Nursery in Modern Childcare

Let's make this clear from the top:

If you're looking for an average nursery job… keep scrolling.

Happy Trails Play isn't a workplace —

it's a movement shaping the future of early years education.

Based in Shinfield, we are redefining what modern childcare looks like:

• High-performing teams
• Zero gossip
• Serious purpose
• Ridiculous amounts of joy
• A culture so strong you feel it the moment you walk in

We're expanding and we're searching for the right person to join our mid-day powerhouse crew.

If you want to belong to a setting that is creative, future-ready, emotionally intelligent, research-informed, wholesome, and FUN…Welcome home.

THE ROLE: Lunch Cover Practitioner

Hours: 10:30am–2:30pm or 11:00am–2:30pm

Days: Monday to Friday

Qualification: Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Qualification

This is not a "just cover lunches" type of job.

This is the role that keeps the heart of the day beating —

where your presence, energy, and skill make the whole operation flow seamlessly. You will do everything a full-time practitioner would do

WHAT YOU'LL ACTUALLY BE DOING

• Bringing intention and magic into play, always connecting moments back to the EYFS.
• Creating genuine learning experiences, not ticking boxes.
• Stepping confidently into the room and supporting the flow of the day.
• Making mealtimes calm, joyful and meaningful.
• Supporting with nappies, toileting, and sleep — all done with dignity, care and the HTP standard.
• Engaging with children fully — not from the sidelines.
• Keeping the room organized, calm, and beautifully functional.

This role suits someone who wants to matter — every single day.

WHAT MAKES HAPPY TRAILS PLAY A LEADER IN MODERN CHILDCARE? Children's Cooking Club — with Real Chefs

We built a professional children's kitchen because food is learning.

Here, children chop, mix, knead and taste — no plastic food in sight.

Outdoor Learning 2.0

Our allotments, outdoor classroom, and Outdoor Mandy (a local legend) bring nature to life. Children grow food, study bugs, compost, learn seasons, and get hands-on with the real world.

Wellbeing That Actually Means Something

No corporate fluff.

Staff wellbeing here is structured, thoughtful, and genuinely generous:

events, gifts, surprises, support, development, and community.

A Team Culture That Feels Different

Supportive. Driven. Emotionally intelligent.

We move as one team — no cliques, no gossip, no drama.

When you join HTP, you join a family of modern early years professionals raising the bar across the sector.

WHAT YOU GET

*

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays on top (for a full-time role)
• Christmas to New Year completely OFF — every year
• £1,000 refer-a-friend bonus
• High-quality training & CPD
• Clear career progression in a fast-growing, high-standard setting
• A leadership team genuinely committed to staff happiness
• Access to our full Team Wellbeing Programme: events, socials, surprises & much much more

WHO WE WANT

• Someone who gets children — their curiosity, humor, chaos and brilliance
• Someone confident, warm, and proactive in the room
• Someone who communicates well and works brilliantly as part of a team
• Someone who brings good energy, good judgement, and a good heart
• Someone hungry to grow, learn and be part of something exceptional

Experience matters…

But kindness wins every single time.

Qualified Level 2 or 3 (or above) only.

READY TO JOIN THE FUTURE OF CHILDCARE?

Don't hesitate.

This role won't stay open for long.

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

Happy Trails Play —

Where we grow people. Big ones and little ones.

PS - Check us out on Instagram or Facebook to find out more about us.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £12.25-£15.50 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Referral programme

Work Location: In person