Childcare Flexible Cover Staff - Early Years & Playwork
Salary £ 12.71 - £14.19 dependent on qualifications and experience.
Chelmsford - 4 childcare settings in Beaulieu, Bicknacre & Danbury
Vacancy listed 21/05/2026
Application deadline 31/12/2026
Details
“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” Mary Poppins

We need proactive, passionate cover staff to fully support and assist our childcare teams across the service as opportunities arise from annual leave, breaks, sickness and other cover. Those who want to help Jesters perfect their vision of 'building futures for the next generation'...

We are looking to expand our brilliant teams across our 4 settings in and around Chelmsford, as our dynamic business continues to evolve and thrive.

‘Here at Jesters we strive to offer the very best service, to be an exemplar place of learning through play, the ‘go to place’ for exceptional childcare. Therefore we only recruit people who excite us, have passion and stamina.’ Alison Doherty, Jesters Managing Director

Job overview:
The cover role is to assist and support the childcare team to seamlessly deliver:

• Consistently high standards of care, play and education.
• Compliance of regulatory requirements with regards to safeguarding, health & safety, hygiene and equalities.
• A safe, clean, fun and welcoming environment for all children.

To be an active team player and maintain excellent working relationships to facilitate the best experience for the children and other staff on site.

“There’s nowhere to go but up.” Mary Poppins
Careers soar at Jesters – spread your wings today!

APPLICATION DECLARATION*
Any of the above particulars may be subject to verification. I understand that any false, inaccurate or incomplete information could result in dismissal, disciplinary action or withdrawal of any offer of employment. 

I declare that the information given on this is, to the best of my knowledge, correct and complete and can be treated as part of any subsequent contract of employment. 

I understand that the early years setting may process, by means of a computer database or otherwise, any information which I provide to it, for the purpose of employment with the setting. 

If applicable, I ensure I will bring my VISA share code to the interview to enable Jesters to verify my VISA status.
Benefits

We are an aspirational childcare service, ‘building futures’ not only for every child in our care, but for our dedicated employees too...

We offer a range of attractive incentives including:

• Flexible working
• Compressed hours
• Shift swaps
• 50% childcare discount from start date
• Management pathways to further your career - salary uplift on successful completion
• Apprenticeship opportunities - salary uplift on successful completion
• Upskilling, training & mentoring
• Termly paid Inset day training/teambuilding
• Referral incentive of £250 (terms and conditions apply).
• Long service rewards, from 5 years
• Social events - Christmas party
• Bathroom care items
• Surprise treats
• Staff room snacks and treats
• Occupational Health support
• Warm, encouraging, supportive 'Jesters Family' environment

Notes

This vacancy is for covering staff absences and gaps within all 4 of our Childcare settings in and around Chelmsford, Essex on an adhoc basis.

PLEASE NOTE That unfortunately, this role does not meet the government's requirements for a Skilled Worker VISA, so we are unable to offer sponsorship.

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