Ready to inspire the next generation of Early Years professionals?

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Oaklands College for a passionate and knowledgeable Lecturer in Early Years (0.5 FTE, over 3 days) to join our thriving Early Years provision. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality teaching and learning across a range of vocational qualifications, helping learners develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours needed to succeed within the Early Years sector.

Working with learners studying qualifications including the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Early Years Practitioner and T Level Education and Early Years, you will support students to achieve outstanding outcomes and progress into employment, apprenticeships, or higher-level study. This is an exciting opportunity to share your industry expertise, shape future professionals, and contribute to the continued success of our Early Years curriculum.

Your Day-to-Day Impact

As a Lecturer in Early Years, you will deliver engaging and inclusive teaching that motivates learners and supports them to achieve their full potential. Drawing on your professional knowledge and industry experience, you will create dynamic learning experiences that prepare students for successful careers in childcare and education.

You will plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality lessons that meet awarding organisation requirements whilst adapting your teaching to meet the diverse needs of individual learners. Through innovative teaching practices, you will help learners develop a strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, professional practice, and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Assessment will form a key part of your role. You will carry out both formative and summative assessment activities, provide timely and constructive feedback, and maintain accurate records to support learner achievement and progression. Your attention to detail and commitment to quality will ensure learners are supported at every stage of their educational journey.

You will also support students undertaking workplace and industry placements, working collaboratively with employers and placement providers to ensure learners gain meaningful industry experience. Through regular liaison and monitoring activities, you will help learners bridge the gap between education and employment.

Working closely with colleagues across the curriculum area, you will contribute to quality assurance, standardisation, course review, and self-assessment activities. Your commitment to continuous improvement will help maintain the high standards expected across Oaklands College programmes.

As a personal tutor, you will provide pastoral and academic support, promoting learner wellbeing, attendance, achievement, safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion. You will work collaboratively with parents, carers, employers, and external agencies where appropriate to ensure every learner receives the support they need to succeed.

Is This You?

Qualifications & Professional Background

You will hold one of the following:

Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification or above.
Foundation Degree, Degree, or professional qualification in Early Childhood Studies, Early Years Education, or a related field.
Registered Children's Nurse, Health Visitor, School Nurse, or another relevant child-focused health professional qualification with substantial experience working with children and families.

You will also hold a recognised teaching qualification such as:

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)
PGCE
Cert Ed
Or an equivalent qualification

Applications are also welcomed from candidates willing to work towards a recognised teaching qualification within an agreed timescale.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

Strong understanding of child development from birth to seven years.
Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
Knowledge of inclusive practice and SEND.
Awareness of current developments within the Early Years sector.
Understanding of vocational assessment requirements.

Desirable:

Experience teaching within Further Education.
Experience delivering NCFE CACHE qualifications.
Experience delivering T Level Education and Early Years qualifications.
Experience supporting or coordinating industry placements.
Involvement in internal quality assurance activities.

Personal Qualities

Passionate about supporting learner success.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organisational and record-keeping abilities.
Able to build positive relationships with learners, colleagues, employers, and stakeholders.
Committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Enthusiastic about continuous professional development and curriculum improvement.

Your Future Starts at Oaklands

At Oaklands, we care about your wellbeing and development. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, happiness, and success, all within a welcoming, inclusive, and values-driven work environment where your contribution truly matters.

Here's what you can look forward to:

Free access to our on-site gym at the St Albans campus (time restrictions may apply)
Financial wellbeing support, including savings on beauty treatments, Lambing Weekend, our on-site zoo, travel via the UNO Bus Scheme, and more
Cycle to Work Scheme, promoting active travel and healthy living
Generous holiday allowance, giving you time to rest and recharge
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) with free Adult Community Learning courses and staff training opportunities
Staff Development Days & Awards, celebrating your achievements and recognising your impact
Mental Health & Wellbeing Support, including confidential resources and guidance
Employee Assistance Programme, offering advice and support 24/7
Mental Health Peer Supporters, for when you just need someone to talk to
Eye Care Vouchers, supporting your health while working with screens

Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Oaklands College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, students, governors, volunteers, partners and contractors to share this commitment.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of interest. Don't wait, apply today and help shape the future workforce of the Early Years sector.

Want to know more about Oaklands? Click here!

Lecturer in Early Years

Inspire future Early Years professionals at Oaklands College through engaging teaching, industry expertise and inclusive support that helps learners thrive.