What does a preschool teacher do?

A preschool teacher is a professional who provides early years education to children typically aged between two and five. They create a safe, engaging environment in which children can learn through a mix of structured activities and free play. Emphasis is often placed on developing emotional regulation, communication skills and early social behaviour. Depending on the curriculum, some preschool teachers may also introduce children to basic numeracy and literacy concepts.

Preschool teachers usually maintain regular communication with parents or caregivers, offering updates on a child’s progress and addressing any concerns as needed. They may also be required to prepare written reports. A key aspect of the role involves observing children for any signs of abuse or neglect and reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities when necessary.

These professionals may work full-time during school terms, part-time or on a contract basis to cover absences such as illness or parental leave. Some may also undertake planning or administrative duties outside of term time.

Preschool teacher skills and qualifications

Preschool teachers are usually required to have a combination of practical skills and interpersonal abilities. In the UK, the majority of preschools follow EYFS, so having sound knowledge of this educational framework is key. Let’s review several for preschool teacher candidates:

Preschool teachers are typically expected to demonstrate a strong combination of practical expertise and interpersonal skills. In the UK, most preschools follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, so a good working knowledge of EYFS is often essential. A skills-first approach to recruiting may involve assessing the following core hard and soft skills:

• Knowledge of the school’s chosen curriculum (e.g. EYFS)
• Patience, empathy and emotional intelligence
• The ability to manage behaviour in an age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate way (particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities)
• Creative thinking, adaptability and problem-solving skills
• The capacity to remain calm and compassionate in challenging situations
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures and possession of up-to-date first aid training
• Effective teamwork and collaboration with other early years professionals
• A genuine interest in early childhood development and a commitment to continuous learning

Preschool teacher experience requirements

Experience requirements for a preschool teacher may depend on the setting and level of responsibility. Entry-level jobs often involve supporting senior teachers with a limited scope of duties, making them suitable for newly qualified candidates. For more advanced or specialist positions – for example, recruiting for a school that caters to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – employers may prefer candidates with several years of hands-on experience and strong professional references.

Preschool teacher education and training requirements

In addition to relevant GCSEs, preschool teachers usually hold a Level 3 qualification in early years education, such as the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce. While some employers may accept a Level 2 qualification for assistant roles, a Level 3 is typically preferred for more independent teaching responsibilities. In school-based settings or those working to the EYFS curriculum, candidates may be required to hold Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) – a higher-level qualification that includes additional training. A valid paediatric first aid certificate and a clear enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check with a barred list check are also essential for ensuring a safe learning environment. 

Preschool teacher salary expectations

At the time of writing, according to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a preschool teacher is £26,534 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and facility.

Job description samples for similar positions

If our preschool teacher job description does not match the specific needs you require for the job, similar positions include:

• Nursery teacher
• Early years teacher
• Teaching assistant

Preschool teacher job description FAQs

How can I make my preschool teacher job description stand out?

A well-written job description should provide clear insight into the teaching environment and values of the organisation. Highlighting the setting’s ethos, use of alternative curricula or provision for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can help attract candidates with the right experience. It is also helpful to be specific about core duties, working hours and whether the job includes term-time only or holiday-period responsibilities.

Besides EYFS, what other educational frameworks might a preschool teacher be familiar with

In addition to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), some Preschool Teachers may be trained in alternative educational approaches. These include Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Steiner-Waldorf or forest schooling.

Do preschool teachers need to be Ofsted registered?

Preschool teachers are not individually registered with Ofsted. However, the early years settings in which they work must be registered and regularly inspected. Teachers are expected to uphold the standards set by the school and contribute to maintaining or improving its Ofsted rating.