Pre-school keyworkers at Milborne St Andrew First School

Pre-school keyworkers (2 positions available).

 Part-Time, minimum of 20 hours per week, fixed term.

Grade 5. Annual salary £11,895 to £12,083 based on 20hrs, pay award pending.

‘Learning is Everything’

Closing date:  Thursday 11^th June 2026

Interview date: Monday 15^th June 2026

Milborne St Andrew First School is a therapeutic thinking school. Strong relationships are at the heart of our daily practice; we work closely with staff, parents and carers to ensure that the well-being of our children, and the wider school community is at the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking to appoint two enthusiastic and committed keyworkers (NVQ 3 or above) who are confident with all aspects of the EYFS curriculum and statutory guidance to join our new early years unit in September 26.  We are a small team, so our priority is to appoint the most skilled staff for our children. However, an interest in or knowledge of early phonics and reading would be an advantage; a working knowledge of Tapestry would also be preferable, although training will be given to the successful applicant.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to planning, delivery of the curriculum, and share responsibility for display and organisation of resources to promote independent learning.

Part of the role will include some hours within our breakfast club, which serves the whole school.  The successful applicant will:

• have successful experience of working in a pre-school environment
• have a good working knowledge of the foundation stage curriculum
• be committed to getting the best outcomes for all pupils
• be self-motivated and committed
• be willing to work additional hours if needed.

The successful applicant will work a minimum of 20 hours per week (including some Breakfast Club hours) - days and times to be confirmed at interview.

We are exceptionally proud of our dedicated and caring staff team, our vibrant learning environment, and our strong partnership with parents and carers. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, achieves their very best. Equally, we are passionate about developing the talent of all staff, enabling them to flourish and succeed. 

Wessex Multi Academy Trust offers the benefits of close collaboration with colleagues across the trust, shared expertise, enhanced opportunities for pupils, and a rich professional learning offer for staff.  The Trust also offers a generous benefits package including pension scheme, a health cash plan*, bike and tech schemes*, wellbeing support and more (*subject to qualifying period).

If you are a passionate, reflective, and knowledgeable EYFS practitioner with a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for all pupils, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application process via: www.jobs.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 

Please refer to the Person Specification and Job Description when making your application.

Visits to the school are very welcome and strongly encouraged.

For an informal conversation about the role or to arrange a visit, please contact Rachael Brown (HT) Milborne St Andrew First School – 01258 837362 or [email protected]

Wessex MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment. 

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they meet the essential elements of the person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including a health check, an Enhanced DBS check Child Barred List check and satisfactory references.  We will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates.  This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children.  As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Applicants are advised that it is an offence to apply for the role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.