A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Richard Backhouse - Principal
Berkhamsted is among the schools leading the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’. As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils –and staff. We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity – in all that we do. We are adventurous, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning We serve others – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community
Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both among our pupils and our staff We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow. Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff.
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer
Our staff are our most important asset at Berkhamsted; investing in their professional development with their wellbeing a key priority We foster a working environment that firstly provides a sense of belonging and supports staff both professionally and personally. We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives. Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school
We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality, equity, respect and opportunity We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which last a lifetime and enrich our professional and personal e
History of Berkhamsted Schools Group
Early years and Key Stage one Education for boys and girls is provided at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep, located at the Schools Haresfoot site, is set in a delightful eight acre woodland area at the edge of Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted Pre-Prep places each child at the centre of everything we do. Wellbeing is our first priority, and providing a high level of nurture and care is our primary focus Our team are skilled professionals who have an in-depth understanding of early child development At Pre-Prep we aim high to give children the best possible start to their education Learning opportunities are planned to provide challenge, developing not only knowledge but also the skills and aptitudes that allow our children to question, debate, collaborate and problem solve from a very young age
Children are taught to recognise failure as the key to success and school is a safe space where mistakes are key to acquiring mastery Our hope is to encourage their natural curiosity and passion for learning, laying the foundations that will allow them to make the most of the opportunities available to them
The latest ISI inspection of Berkhamsted Day Nursery and Pre-Prep in June 2016 captures our philosophy perfectly: “Outcomes for children are outstanding. All children make excellent, continuous progress in relation to their individual starting points and capabilities due to the nurturing and supportive environment that recognises each child as an individual ”
We strive to build positive relationships where children learn to socialise and work with each other and where kindness and respect are qualities that are celebrated and embraced Our excellent pastoral care gives our school a family feel where children learn the importance of serving others and the importance of being part of a community where everyone is valued
There are currently 205 pupils at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep School (aged 3-7)
Part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group
Berkhamsted Pre-Prep School is one of six schools that make up Berkhamsted Schools Group. Berkhamsted School is one of the country’s leading independent schools. It has a structure that provides the best in both co-educational and single-sex education, offering small class sizes and appropriate teaching environments for each age group, from age 3 to 18
The School’s ‘diamond’ structure allows boys and girls to be taught together until the age of 11 (at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and at Berkhamsted Prep), separately from 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form (Berkhamsted Sixth).
Job Description
Reporting to: Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher
Hours of Work:
3 days per week - 7:15am - 8:30am
Term time only
Main Responsibilities:
Registering children on arrival
Sign children out on departure
Set out suitable age appropriate games, arts and crafts, construction with guidance from the Supervisor
Ensure high standards of pupil behaviour and manners are upheld at all times
Weather permitting, supervise outdoor play activities
Supervise tea and snack time
Encourage good hygiene
Ensure area is clean, tidy and safe at all times
Tidy up at end of session
Qualifications and Skills Needed:
Level 3 qualification would be advantageous
A qualification in first aid would be an advantage but not essential
Previous experience in childcare would be an advantage
They must possess good organisation and communication skills
The person will also need to be reliable, enthusiastic, adaptable, discreet and tolerant
BenefitsBenefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing
Free classes and advisory services memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme
Watch our video
Watch our video and hear from our colleagues why they enjoy working at the Berkhamsted Schools Group Find out more about what it is really like to be a member of the community
BenefitsSafeguarding and Child Protection
Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding.
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630
Application and Next Steps
The closing date for applications is 11 January 2026
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group, along with documentary evidence of qualifications. A background screening service including a review of candidate’s online presence will be carried out as part of the recruitment process, by an independent third-party screening partner.
Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn)
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance.
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview.
If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted.com
Early applications are encouraged, and interviews may take place on a rolling basis We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline.
