EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER (immediate start possible)

Company Description

The German School London is part of a long-standing tradition of excellence in the world-wide network of more than 136 German schools abroad, which are accredited and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. Children from 1 - 6 live and grow together in the Kinderhaus. In two separate, bright and child-friendly buildings, everything is tailored to the needs of our youngest children.

Sudbrook Kinderhaus has been at the heart of the community for nearly 60 years, teaching generations of children from local families and is now part of the German School London. It is based in a Village Hall on a quiet private road which backs on to Richmond Park where we warmly welcome children from the age of 1-5.

DSL Kinderhaus is set within beautiful and spacious grounds by the River Thames and welcomes children from 3-6 years.

The truly exceptional setting supports the wellbeing, creativity and success of both staff and pupils. An own courtyard and an extensive playground with its own little woodland invite children to play in the fresh air and discover the surrounding nature.

Sudbrook Kinderhaus and DSL Kinderhaus share ethos and values and both offer first-class education in an international and friendly learning environment.

Position

The Early Years Practitioner works as part of a team to provide high-quality care, education and support for children from the age of 1-5 for our Sudbrook Kinderhaus, and 3-6 years for our DSL Kinderhaus.

The Kinderhaus Groups are bi-lingual, German and English, and we are looking for both German and English language speaking colleagues who will support children's learning, development and wellbeing through play-based experiences, promoting the acquisition of both German and English in everyday routines and activities.

The successful candidate will foster children's curiosity, independence, confidence and communication skills while respecting individual needs, backgrounds and stages of development.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Play and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Support children's physical, cognitive, social, emotional and language development through play-based learning.
• Create meaningful opportunities for children to hear, understand and use both German and English.
• Use songs, stories, rhymes, games, conversations and everyday routines to encourage bilingual language development.
• Observe, assess and record children's progress, identifying individual interests, strengths and next steps.
• Support school readiness, early literacy, numeracy, creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Celebrate German-speaking and English-speaking cultures, traditions and festivals while promoting respect for all cultures and languages.
• Coordination and exchange with other departments at the school, such as the 'Beratungsquadrat', German support teacher, health and safety
• Independent work and further training in the 'Kindergarten App'
• Follow safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and risk-assessment procedures.
• Promote inclusive practice and adapt activities to meet individual needs, including those of children with special needs (SEND)
• Work collaboratively with parents to support children's learning, development and transition between home and nursery.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Requirements

• A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification, or willingness to work towards an appropriate qualification
• A genuine interest in early childhood development and play-based learning.
• Good communication skills delivering a caring, patient, reliable and proactive approach.
• An understanding of safeguarding, child protection and inclusive practice
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A commitment to promoting children's safety, wellbeing and individual learning needs.
• Confidence in speaking and understanding German or English or both languages.
• Flexible, organised and able to respond to children's changing needs.
• Culturally sensitive and respectful of linguistic diversity.

Other information

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing and career growth, including paid annual leave, enhanced sick pay, professional development support and career progression opportunities, employee discount schemes, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), on-site staff canteen with subsidised meals, free parking, a competitive pension scheme, long service awards, and regular company events and team-building activities.

This position ideally starts immediately or at mutually agreed start date

Application deadline: 15.December 2026.

All applications must be received through the DSL school website, and include a covering letter, stating how the applicant meets the requirements of the job.

The School reserves the right to close the recruitment process early.

The German School London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and will carry out a DBS check and appropriate screening on applicants. The German School Association is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all applicants who meet the requirements for the position, in particular from those in minority groups for which the School is currently underrepresented.