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- Tasks: Lead early years learning initiatives and support educators in enhancing children's development.
- Company: Highfield Nursery School and Children’s Centre, dedicated to improving early childhood education.
- Benefits: Earn £500 per day, enjoy flexible hours, and work part-time during term time.
- Other info: Join a supportive network focused on best practices in early years education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children aged 0-4 and a relevant level 6 qualification required.
Highfield Nursery School and Children’s Centre is seeking an Early Years Learning Lead. The main purpose of this role is to ensure every child receives the best start in life, as the earliest years shape future learning, wellbeing, and success. Through the Best Start in Life strategy, the Department for Education (DfE) aims to drive higher standards and strengthen the improvement system so that every child can thrive.
To support the delivery of commitments made in the Best Start in Life strategy, DfE will introduce Early Years Learning Leads (EYLL) for personal, social and emotional development (PSED), early language, and early mathematics in each of the Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs (EYSPH) to provide support and training to early years educators.
Each EYLL position will be a flexible, hybrid role based in the East of England EYSPH, at Highfield Nursery School. There will be opportunities to work from home and in our reach area delivering support directly to settings. Flexibility within the role means you will not be tied to working the same days each week, and the role may involve evening or occasional weekend work. You will be responsible for managing your diary and reporting to the Hub Strategic Lead.
You will improve outcomes for children by:
- Strengthening PSED, early mathematics, or early language provision across early years settings by delivering high-quality Stronger Practice continuous professional development (CPD).
- Providing targeted subject-specific support to early years settings to strengthen practice in PSED, early mathematics, or early language.
- Actively engaging with subject-specific professional development and networks to deepen expertise, share good practice, and support high-quality delivery across the EYSPH area.
Your responsibilities include:
- Delivering DfE owned professional development programmes.
- Providing bespoke support, underpinned by coaching approaches, modelling of practice, and opportunities for reflection.
- Supporting early years settings to select, adapt, and embed evidence-informed approaches and interventions.
- Working with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to understand local needs, identify gaps, and strengthen cohesion across the local system.
What you will need:
- Experience of working with children aged 0-4 in an early childhood education context.
- A relevant level 6 qualification.
- Experience leading professional development and mentoring others.
The East of England Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is based at Highfield Nursery School in Ipswich. The Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs programme has supported early years practitioners across England since its launch in November 2022, sharing evidence-informed best practice and offering professional development to improve outcomes for young children.
Each role is offered as:
- Being paid directly as a self-employed contractor/consultant.
- By agreed release from your existing role, with payment made to your setting/school for your release.
For more information, please read the Early Years Language Lead Application Pack, Early Mathematics Lead Application Pack, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) Lead Application Pack or alternatively, visit our website.
Please contact Ruth Coleman, Hub Strategic Lead by calling 01473 742534 option 5.
How to apply: Please submit your completed Expression of Interest Application Form via email to: eastofenglandeysph@highfield.suffolk.sch.uk
Closing date: 12 pm, 10 June 2026. Interview dates: CL EYLL 30 June 2026, EM EYLL 1 July 2026, PSED EYLL 3 July 2026.
Early Years Learning Lead in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Learning Lead in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in early years education and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local early years events or workshops. This is a great way to meet people in the field, showcase your expertise, and stay updated on the latest trends and practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from social media! Join groups related to early years education on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and keep an eye out for job postings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Highfield Nursery team and contributing to the Best Start in Life strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Learning Lead in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Early Years Learning Lead role. Highlight your experience with children aged 0-4 and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can contribute to the Best Start in Life strategy!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge! Whether it’s about PSED, early mathematics, or language development, let us know how you’ve led professional development in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your Expression of Interest Application Form via email as instructed. But don’t forget to check out our website for more info and resources that can help you shine in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Best Start in Life strategy and how it impacts early years education. Brush up on the latest evidence-informed practices in PSED, early mathematics, and early language to show you’re not just familiar but passionate about these areas.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with children aged 0-4 that highlight your leadership in professional development and mentoring. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role involves a hybrid working model, be ready to discuss how you manage your time effectively and adapt to different working environments. Share experiences where you successfully balanced multiple responsibilities or adapted to changing circumstances.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the impact of the Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you.