Pre-School Assistant – Pashley Down Pre-School (Pashley Down Infant School)

Hours of work: 37 hours per week

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 13 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)

(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Fixed term for: 1 year contract

Closing date: 5th February 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Pashley Down Infant School (Beechy Ave, Eastbourne BN20 8NX)

Phone: 01323730719

Email: office@pashley.e-sussex.sch.uk

Website: https://www.pashley.e-sussex.sch.uk/

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Pashley Down is a proud, child-centred community that values joy, belonging and excellent early learning. Our pre-school benefits from woodland spaces, a mini-farm, and a culture that celebrates curiosity, playfulness and real experiences. Children here explore deeply, grow confidence and learn through purposeful play.

Inclusion Matters

We are building a setting where every child feels safe, seen, welcomed and understood. One of these roles will include being our SEND lead within the pre-school, and another will become our 2-year-old champion — roles suited to people who bring insight, instinct and a commitment to making provision exceptional for all children.

About You

You are dependable, reflective and driven by children’s wellbeing. You understand how powerful early relationships are — and you know that inclusion, responsiveness and equity are non-negotiables. Whether you hold early years qualifications or bring genuine experience and a willingness to learn, you know how to make children feel valued.

Qualifications

• Level 2 or 3 qualification in early years is preferred.
• Unqualified but experienced applicants will be considered if they are ready to train with us — we grow talent.

What You’ll Do

• Support children’s learning, play and emotional development
• Act as a key person, forming strong relationships with families
• Contribute to inclusive practice and responsive provision
• Help deliver rich indoor and outdoor experiences — including woodland learning and interaction with our animals
• Lead or contribute to specialist areas — SEND or 2-year-olds — depending on skills and interest
• Maintain high safeguarding standards and support daily routines

What We Offer

• A welcoming team with strong values
• A setting with real outdoor learning, community spirit and meaningful experiences
• Professional development, mentoring and pathways for SEND leadership or early years specialism
• A role with potential to become permanent
• The chance to help create a pre-school that children and families feel proud of

Interview date: February 12th and 13th 2026

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.