At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nursery room, creating a nurturing environment and supporting children's development.
- Company: Join Hatching Dragons, a vibrant nursery committed to early years education.
- Benefits: Earn £28,000 – £32,000, enjoy ongoing training, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for senior leadership roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career with a Level 5 qualification.
- Qualifications: Experience in Early Years and a passion for education are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Ready to take the next step in your Early Years career? Hatching Dragons is looking for a passionate and ambitious Early Years professional to join our Westminster nursery as a Room Leader while completing a fully funded Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who already has experience working in an Early Years setting and is ready to develop their leadership skills, gain a nationally recognised qualification and progress into senior nursery leadership roles. You’ll be supported every step of the way by an experienced management team while making a real difference to children’s learning and development.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead the day‑to‑day running of your room
- Create a safe, nurturing and inspiring learning environment
- Support children’s learning, development and wellbeing
- Build strong relationships with families and carers
- Act as a key person for a group of children
- Support and mentor other practitioners within the room
- Help maintain high standards in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements
- Work closely with the management team to continually improve practice
- Plan and deliver engaging, age‑appropriate learning experiences
- Promote safeguarding, inclusion and positive outcomes for every child
What we’re looking for:
- Is passionate about Early Years education
- Has previous experience working in a nursery environment
- Is ready to take on leadership responsibilities
- Has excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Is committed to providing outstanding care and education
- Wants to continue developing professionally
What you’ll gain:
Alongside your role, you will complete the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship, designed to develop your leadership, management and professional practice skills. You will learn how to:
- Lead high‑quality Early Years provision
- Support and develop staff teams
- Reflect on and improve practice through professional enquiry
- Influence positive outcomes for children and families
On successful completion, you will achieve a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary of £28,000 – £32,000
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Clear career progression opportunities
- Supportive and friendly team
- Company pension scheme
- Generous annual leave
- Regular team events and engagement activities
- Opportunity to progress into senior leadership positions
This role offers excellent progression opportunities within our growing nursery group, including pathways into:
- Third In Charge
- Deputy Manager
- Nursery Manager
Safeguarding: Hatching Dragons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.
Training Information: Over the course of 21 months, you will study various topics related to healthcare and safeguarding, person‑centred care & support, and more. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will achieve a Level 5 Qualification and a TQUK Diploma in Care.
We and our employer partners are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, so a DBS check will be required for this role.
To make you aware, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind‑overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’ must be declared, and you will be asked about these during the recruitment process.
Our delivery of training is through blended learning, supported by one of our sector specialist tutors. Teaching sessions are normally bi‑weekly or monthly, depending on the learner’s preferred learning style. Additionally, the tutor will provide the support required to ensure the learner enjoys and ultimately successfully achieves their goals and completes their training.
You will initially take an online assessment that will help us to understand your learning style and needs, then we will tailor your learning experience accordingly. We ensure that you stay on track to complete your programme on time by managing your expectations through our state‑of‑the‑art e‑portfolio system.
At the end of your programme, your learnt knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed by an independent assessor in your end point assessment (EPA). As part of the apprenticeship, alongside your job role, 20% of your time in work must be dedicated to developing new skills.
Hatching Dragons Westminster - Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner in City of Westminster employer: Impact Futures
Hatching Dragons is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for Early Years professionals in Westminster. With a competitive salary, ongoing training, and clear career progression opportunities, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on children's development. The company fosters a friendly team culture and provides pathways to senior leadership roles, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered in their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hatching Dragons Westminster - Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Early Years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to Early Years leadership. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence and showcase your passion for children's development.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your work, including lesson plans, activities you've led, and any feedback from parents or colleagues. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your commitment to high-quality Early Years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their career in Early Years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Hatching Dragons Westminster - Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for Early Years education shine through in your application. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to nurturing children's development and how you’ve made a difference in their learning.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and any leadership roles you've taken on in previous positions to show us you're ready for this step up.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Be personal, enthusiastic, and specific about what excites you about working at Hatching Dragons and how you align with our values.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our nursery!
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Futures
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Early Years education and the EYFS framework. Familiarise yourself with Hatching Dragons' values and approach to childcare, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or mentored others. Highlight how you can create a nurturing environment and support your colleagues.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think about specific situations you might face in the role, such as managing a challenging behaviour or planning an engaging activity. Be ready to discuss how you would handle these scenarios, showcasing your problem-solving skills and creativity in providing age-appropriate learning experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This is your chance to learn more about the nursery's culture, the management team's support, and opportunities for professional development. It shows you're serious about the role and eager to grow within the organisation.
