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 years education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 100% childcare discount, extensive training, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Be a role model in a supportive environment that values creativity and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in early education.
- 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 West Street Nursery in Bexley. Working hours Monday to Fridays. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
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: TBC
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 your teaching will help you stand out as a candidate who is ready to lead and innovate in early years education.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experiences where you have led a team or project. Highlight how you motivated others and created engaging learning opportunities, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to creating an inclusive environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children with diverse needs and how you plan to implement these strategies in your new role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research West Street Nursery and the Early Years Alliance. Understanding their values and mission will allow you to tailor your conversation during the interview, demonstrating that you are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Early Years Educator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Lead Early Years Educator position. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, such as the need for a Level 3 qualification and experience in early education.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience and qualifications that align with the role. Emphasize your understanding of child development, curriculum planning, and any leadership experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early years education. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or created engaging learning environments in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
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 working with young children. Share specific examples of how you've engaged children in learning and development, and highlight your commitment to providing high-quality education.
✨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 Policies
Familiarize yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage and any relevant policies. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your role and how you ensure inclusivity and support for children with special educational needs.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the nursery's approach to early years education, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.