Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create engaging learning experiences for young children.
- Company: Join the Early Years Alliance, a charity dedicated to quality early education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 100% childcare discount, extensive training, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in childcare.
- Other info: Birthday leave and mental health support available for all staff.
About The Role
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Lead Early Years Educator to join our team at Shoebury Nursery in Shoeburyness. Rated Good by Ofsted and 9.8 on Day Nurseries.
We are looking for a skilled lead early years educator, who will be a role model and enable the team to deliver high quality inclusive early years education and care.
What we offer:
We are proud to be part of the Early Years Alliance family of early years settings. Founded over 60 years ago, the Alliance is an educational charity dedicated to supporting the delivery of quality early years education and care to children and families.
The Alliance prides itself on being a supportive workplace and offers significant benefits for our team members including:
- 100% discount on childcare and early education places (applicable to staff working in our early years settings)
- Extensive training and career progression planning, including access to our Learning Management System (LMS)
- The Alliance has invested in FAMLY reducing paperwork and giving you more time to focus on the children.
- A generous workplace pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, with additional annual leave for long service.
- Birthday leave so you can have a day off for your birthday dedicated to you and your well being
- Enhanced sickness pay and paid bereavement leave
- A Recruitment Referral Payment Scheme, giving you an introductory payment of up to £300 if someone you have referred to the Alliance takes up a role in the charity.
- Access to our Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which includes 24/7 helpline access, dedicated managers helpline, confidential counselling sessions delivered by accredited specialists, legal, debt and life management advice, discounts, and wellbeing content plus resources.
- Savings of up to 25% on O2 Refresh Airtime Plan on any new phone or tablets
- A dedicated mental health First aider to support your mental well being
Job purpose:
As the Lead Early Years Educator, you will:
- lead a team enabling them to provide creative and engaging learning opportunities for children.
- be a role model for the wider staff team, modelling sensitive and responsive interaction and extending children’s learning
- be a proactive member of the team, providing a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment
- support the nursery management team to deliver high-quality care and education in line with the setting’s policies and procedures.
- be responsible for curriculum planning within the setting
- oversee the setting in the absence of the Assistant Manager and Manager.
Requirements:
Successful applicants for the Lead Early Years Educator position will need:
- a minimum Level 3 Early Years Education and Childcare qualification or equivalent.
- post-qualification experience in working in early education and childcare
- a sound understanding of child development and children’s needs with an ability to plan and implement the curriculum in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage, taking into account the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice, safeguarding procedures and equality and diversity considerations
Also, you will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check if your current certificate is not subscribed to the update service.
For the full list of duties and the requirements, please download the job description and person specification which accompanies this advert.
Hours per week: 40
Weeks per year: 52
Interview date: Tuesday 1st April 2025
Lead Early Years Educator employer: Early Years Alliance
Contact Detail:
Early Years Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Early Years Educator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understanding its principles and how they apply to curriculum planning will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you modeled best practices and supported your colleagues.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Shoebury Nursery and the Early Years Alliance. Knowing their values, mission, and recent achievements can help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you create inclusive learning environments. Think about strategies you've used to support children with diverse needs and how you ensure every child feels valued and engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Early Years Educator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Lead Early Years Educator position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and requirements, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your Level 3 Early Years Education and Childcare qualification and any relevant post-qualification experience. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully implemented early years education and care in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your understanding of child development and your ability to create engaging learning opportunities. Mention any experience with curriculum planning and how you have supported inclusive practices in your previous positions.
Personalize Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalizing it. Address the specific values and benefits offered by the Alliance, such as their commitment to quality education and supportive workplace culture, and explain why these resonate with you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Early Years Alliance
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for early years education during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've engaged children in learning and how you plan to create a stimulating environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Early Years Educator, you'll be expected to lead a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed or supported a team in the past.
✨Understand the Curriculum and Child Development
Be ready to talk about your understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how you implement it in practice. Discuss your approach to planning curriculum that meets diverse children's needs.
✨Prepare Questions About the Nursery's Values
Research Shoebury Nursery and the Early Years Alliance. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in their values and how you can contribute to their mission of providing high-quality care and education.
