About this role
Required to start as soon as possible
This is a permanent, term-time only post
Hours of work: Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.45pm (38 weeks per year)
Actual salary: £19,463 - £20,086 (Grade 5, Points 5-7) Meridian Trust Support Staff Salary Scale
Responsible to Goslings Pre-School Leader & Headteacher - the Early Years Provision is located within and overseen by The Lantern Primary School
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, dedicated and creative Early Years Practitioner to join our term-time Goslings pre-school provision at The Lantern Primary School. You will be working as a member of our fantastic team providing high quality care and stimulating early years education for our 3 and 4 year old children. Your role will involve assisting in the planning and delivery of play activities and group learning times as well as observing children and recording their progress/learning in all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. You will work under the direction of the Pre-School Leader to maintain a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
The opportunity
To join a friendly, supportive team providing high-quality appropriate play activities
To provide a safe, caring and inclusive setting for our children
To maintain a stimulating and enjoyable learning environment
To provide high quality education and learning within the Early Years framework and offer appropriate stimulation and support to children attending the setting
To supervise the children and be responsible for their physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being
The ideal candidate
Good educational background with English and Mathematics GCSE, grades C/4 or above
Holds a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification (or is near to completion)
Understands how children learn and develop
Can form positive and caring relationships with children which motivates them to learn, grow and be confident
The ability to work collaboratively with parents, carers, colleagues and outside agencies
About The Lantern Primary School
The Lantern Primary School is a busy and vibrant school based in the beautiful, historic city of Ely and our aim is to ensure that our children shine their light in each community they belong to. We are fortunate at The Lantern to have excellent facilities and a modern, bright school which facilitates the children's learning opportunities. Our pre-school provides a stimulating, challenging and rich play environment which equips our children with the skills so that they are ready for the transition into primary school. Our highly experienced and dedicated team creates a fun, nurturing and safe atmosphere where each child is treated as an individual so that they can thrive and reach their full potential.
About Meridian Trust
Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -
Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
Cycle to work scheme
Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme
Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
Free on-site parking
Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays
To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/.
For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.
Closing date for applications: 1st November 2026 by midnight
Interviews will be held during the weeks beginning 9th/16th November 2026
Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced.
The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.