At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead early years education, nurturing children aged 2-5 in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Ludwick Nursery School, a vibrant community-focused nursery in Welwyn Garden City.
- Benefits: Enjoy a caring team, strong focus on staff wellbeing, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Passion for early years education and proven classroom experience are essential.
- Other info: Visits to the school are encouraged before applying; apply soon as positions may close early.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Welcome to Ludwick Nursery School. We are a large maintained Nursery School in Welwyn Garden City offering early education and care to children aged 2-5 years old. We have extensive purpose-built buildings and rich provision, set in lovely grounds, with plentiful access to outside learning.
We are looking for an excellent early years practitioner to join our amazing team here at Ludwick, to support our school vision of ‘Nurturing the individual; Growing the community’. At Ludwick, the children’s education and well-being is at the heart of everything that we do. Our school has earned a strong reputation over the years for providing children with the best possible start to their education with a particular focus on nurture and inclusion.
Our curriculum is rooted in the pedagogy of play and first-hand experiences and influenced by Froebelian principles. We are passionate about children accessing Forest School and real-life activities such as cookery, woodwork and exploring the local community.
We are proud of the very special sense of community that exists between us, our families and all those that we work in partnership with. Our four key values of Respect, Trust, Courage and Kindness ensure that everyone in the Ludwick community – children, parents and carers, staff and governors, help to create a happy, safe and thriving nursery where everyone feels valued.
As a lead practitioner, you will play a key role in helping to implement the curriculum and vision for the school and ensuring that all children reach their potential. Applications are welcomed from practitioners who are passionate about early years education and have a proven track record of excellent classroom practice.
The role will be based in Treetops which is our pre-school room catering for children from 2 to 3 years old. Experience of working with two-year-olds would be an advantage.
At Ludwick we have:
- Wonderful children and families
- Highly skilled and competent staff team
- Caring and supportive senior leaders
- A highly supportive governing body
- A strong focus on staff wellbeing
We are looking for:
- A strong team player with a sense of humour
- Willingness to be flexible and help others
- The vision to create a calm and engaging learning environment
- Excellent organisation and communication skills
- The ability to adapt to a changing environment
- Willingness to invest in your own CPD
- High expectations of all children, self and others
- An excellent early years practitioner who is committed to inclusive practice
- A strong commitment to working in partnership with children, parents, governors and the wider community underpinned by our values of kindness, trust, courage and respect.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and strongly encouraged prior to application. We look forward to welcoming you to Ludwick.
Please note that we will review applications as they come in and may close the advertisement early if suitable candidates are forthcoming. So please don’t delay getting in touch/submitting your application. We look forward to hearing from you.
Closing date: Thursday 26th June at noon. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted on: Monday 30th June 2025. Interviews on: Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
Early Years Lead Practitioner employer: Ludwick Nursery School
Contact Detail:
Ludwick Nursery School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Lead Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Froebelian principles and the pedagogy of play, as these are central to Ludwick Nursery School's curriculum. Being able to discuss how you would implement these approaches in your practice will show your alignment with their educational philosophy.
✨Tip Number 2
Visit Ludwick Nursery School before applying to get a feel for the environment and community. This will not only help you understand their values better but also give you specific examples to mention during your interview about why you want to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience working with two-year-olds, as this is an advantage for the role. Be prepared to share specific strategies or activities you've used in the past that cater to this age group, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to early years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team dynamic in previous roles, as Ludwick values strong team players who can adapt and support one another.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Lead Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Early Years Lead Practitioner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their focus on nurturing, inclusion, and play-based learning.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience working with children aged 2-5 years, particularly any roles that involved leading or supporting early years education. Mention specific examples of how you've implemented inclusive practices and fostered a positive learning environment.
Align with Their Values: Ludwick Nursery School values respect, trust, courage, and kindness. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you embody them in your professional practice and interactions with children, parents, and colleagues.
Personalise Your Application: Address your application to the hiring team at Ludwick Nursery School and express your enthusiasm for joining their community. Mention any visits you’ve made to the school or interactions you’ve had with current staff to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ludwick Nursery School
✨Understand the School's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Ludwick Nursery School's vision of 'Nurturing the individual; Growing the community'. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with this vision and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment for the children.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Young Children
Since the role focuses on children aged 2-3 years, be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences working with this age group. Highlight any relevant techniques or activities you've used that align with the school's emphasis on play-based learning and real-life experiences.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
Ludwick is looking for a strong team player who is flexible and willing to help others. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and adapt to changing situations in a nursery setting.
✨Prepare Questions About Professional Development
The school values continuous professional development (CPD). Think of insightful questions regarding opportunities for growth within the nursery. This shows your commitment to improving your skills and contributing positively to the team.