Early Years Practitioner (Level 3) and Room Leader in South Benfleet

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join our vibrant school nursery as a Room Leader. The successful candidate will lead high‐quality provision within the nursery room, ensuring a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. We are committed to supporting continuing professional development and possible progression towards a Level 5 Early Years qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Work alongside and under the strategic direction of the EYFS lead.
  • Lead the daily running of the nursery room, ensuring a calm, purposeful, child‐centred environment.
  • Provide clear direction, delegation and role clarity for staff.
  • Model a supportive, approachable and professional leadership style.
  • Build a positive team culture based on respect, trust and shared vision.
  • Identify staff strengths and training needs through observation and supervision.
  • Support conflict resolution and promote positive working relationships.
  • Facilitate reflective practice and continuous improvement.
  • Lead room meetings and contribute to whole‐school EYFS development.
• Teaching, Learning & Curriculum
  • Plan, deliver and evaluate high‐quality learning experiences aligned with the EYFS.
  • Embed the Characteristics of Effective Learning into daily practice.
  • Promote sustained shared thinking, problem‐solving and independence.
  • Use open‐ended questioning, modelling and high‐quality interactions.
  • Ensure the environment (indoors and outdoors) is rich, stimulating and well‐organised.
  • Act as a key person for a group of children, completing observations, assessments and next steps.
  • Ensure inclusive practice and adapt provision for SEND pupils.
• Send & Inclusion
  • Work closely with families and the SENDCo to support children with SEND.
  • Contribute to One Plans, Support Plans, EHCP processes and Early Help assessments.
  • Make reasonable adjustments to routines, activities and the environment.
  • Ensure staff attend relevant SEND training and implement strategies consistently.
  • Liaise with external agencies and specialists.
• Safeguarding, Welfare & Health and Safety
  • Record and report injuries or concerns following safeguarding procedures.
  • Work closely with the DSL and follow statutory guidance.
  • Maintain accurate records and escalating concerns appropriately.
  • Ensure all staff understand and implement safeguarding policies.
  • Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety and risk assessment.
  • Ensure all statutory requirements, including ratios and registration conditions, are met.
• Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
  • Carry out regular observations of practice and environment audits.
  • Develop action plans to improve quality and monitor progress.
  • Review practice in line with policies and procedures.
  • Ensure resources and activities are varied, purposeful and high‐quality.
  • Link staff targets to supervision and appraisal processes.
  • Monitor progress and individual performance with regular feedback.
• Parent & Community Partnerships
  • Build strong, positive relationships with parents and carers.
  • Provide regular updates on children's progress and wellbeing.
  • Support transition processes into Nursery, Reception and beyond.
  • Represent the nursery professionally at events, tours and meetings.
• Professional Development & Sector Awareness
  • Keep knowledge current regarding EYFS reforms, Ofsted updates, legislation and funding.
  • Engage in meetings and ongoing CPD and share learning with the team.
  • Attend training and disseminate best practice across the setting.
  • Comply with policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, child protection, equal opportunities, health, safety, security, confidentiality, data protection and reporting concerns to an appropriate person.
  • Be aware of and support differences to ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
  • Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and work of the school while respecting confidentiality at all times.
  • Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies and professionals in liaison with the teacher to support achievement and progress of pupils.
  • Take on other activities consistent with the nature of the job at the discretion of the Headteacher.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, child development and safeguarding.
• Experience working in an early years setting, ideally with leadership responsibilities.
• Excellent communication skills with children, families and colleagues.
• Ability to lead a team with confidence, empathy and professionalism.
• Strong observational skills for assessing children and evaluating staff practice.
• Approachable and able to manage conflict professionally and constructively.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and high‐quality early education.
• Excellent time‐management and organisational skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, equality and confidentiality.
• Ability to reflect on practice and drive continuous improvement.
• Paediatric First Aid.

Desirable

• Experience in a school‐based nursery.
• Experience contributing to SEND support plans or Early Help.
• Knowledge of 'Birth to Five' assessment.
• Working knowledge of 'Tapestry' software.
• Level 4 / 5 Early Years qualification or willingness to work towards it.
• Experience leading staff meetings or training sessions.

Benefits

• Wonderful children who are eager to learn.
• A dedicated, supportive and motivated staff team.
• A forward‐thinking, inclusive school community.
• Supports and promotes the Catholic ethos and values of the school (applications from non‐Catholics who support the ethos are warmly welcomed).

Additional Information

• Salary: National Joint Council Point 5 (£21,589.27) – paid 44 weeks per year.
• Contract: Full‐time, Monday to Friday, permanent, term‐time only.
• Hours: 37 hours per week – four days 7:30 am–3:30 pm and one day 7:30 am–3:00 pm (30‐minute unpaid lunch break daily).
• Additional Room Leader Responsibility: Fixed‐term (reviewed annually); details discussed at interview (NJC Point 12–14).
• All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people, and all positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.