Lead Pracitioner in Swanley

Location: Oaks Day Nursery, Swanley

Salary/package: £26,000 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

This role covers the core hours of 08:00am to 17:00pm, Monday to Friday.

This is an exciting opportunity to join The Education People (TEP) as a Pre-School Room Leader and shape the early learning experiences of young children within a high-quality, supportive nursery environment. Be part of a trusted organisation committed to excellence, innovation, and making a real difference in children’s lives.

Due to the nature of work being carried out, an Enhanced DBS check (provided by the Company) will be carried out, please consider this before submitting your application.

Why this role matters

The Pre-School Room Leader plays a key role in ensuring the highest standards of care, teaching, and learning within the nursery. They support the Nursery Manager in leading staff, promoting safeguarding, and embedding the EYFS framework. This role is vital in fostering children’s development, empowering families, and driving continuous improvement across the setting.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the implementation and promotion of safeguarding, health, safety and wellbeing policies across the nursery.
• Contribute to building and maintaining a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team culture.
• Provide quality care, teaching, and learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards.
• Support children’s learning and development through engaging, age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities.
• Ensure the delivery of a high-quality, inclusive environment that meets the individual needs of all children.
• Motivate and inspire practitioners by role modelling best practice and fostering a culture of coaching, mentoring and reflection.
• Develop strong, respectful partnerships with parents and families, promoting their involvement in children’s learning.
• Communicate effectively with children, staff and external professionals to support collaboration and continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for

• Hold a minimum Level 3 full and relevant Early Years qualification (with paediatric first aid and safeguarding training desirable).
• Demonstrate substantial post-qualification experience working with children and families within an EYFS setting.
• Show proven success in implementing the EYFS 0–5 curriculum and delivering high-quality, inclusive education.
• Exhibit strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, colleagues, and multi-agency professionals.
• Apply excellent organisational and time management abilities in a busy childcare environment.
• Display detailed knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and equality and inclusion principles.
• Model positive, professional behaviours that reflect integrity, empathy, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

What you’ll get in return

• 25 days annual leave.
• Life assurance cover (4x salary).
• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contribution.
• Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme.
• Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive well-being programme.
• Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.