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- Tasks: Lead a team to create engaging learning experiences for young children.
- Company: Join Oaktree Nursery, an Outstanding-rated nursery dedicated to quality early years education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 100% childcare discount, extensive training, generous leave, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in early education.
- Other info: Be part of a charity with over 60 years of commitment to early years education.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Lead Early Years Educator to join our team at Oaktree Nursery in Devon. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted and 10 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:
- 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
- You will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check if your current certificate is not subscribed to the update service.
Hours per week: 40
Weeks per year: 52
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Lead Early Years Educator employer: Grace Street Tap
Contact Detail:
Grace Street Tap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Early Years Educator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise 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 interviews.
✨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 modelled best practices and supported your colleagues.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Oaktree Nursery and the Early Years Alliance. Knowing their values, mission, and recent achievements will allow you to tailor your conversation and show genuine interest in becoming part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would create an inclusive environment for children with diverse needs. Highlight any relevant experience or training that demonstrates your commitment to equality and diversity in early years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Early Years Educator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Early Years Educator position. Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage and how it relates to the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in early years education and childcare. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your Level 3 qualification, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and deliver high-quality education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early years education. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, such as curriculum planning or creating inclusive learning environments. Make sure to express why you want to work at Oaktree Nursery.
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, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Grace Street Tap
✨Showcase 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 created inclusive environments, as this aligns with the role's focus on high-quality care and 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, particularly in fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.
✨Understand the Curriculum and Policies
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the nursery's policies. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in practice, especially regarding planning and delivering engaging learning opportunities for children.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the nursery's approach to early years education, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
