At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in creating a nurturing environment for young children.
- Company: Join the UEA Nursery, rated Outstanding by OFSTED.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days of annual leave, generous pension, and health perks.
- Other info: Flexible working across age ranges with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and experience in nursery settings required.
The predicted salary is between 27628 - 27628 £ per year.
Are you qualified in Early Years Practice? Would you like to work in a Nursery rated Outstanding by OFSTED?
We're looking for a professional, experienced and passionate practitioner to join our busy and well-established team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is ready to take the next step in their career to be part of a supportive senior team that values high-quality practice, inclusion and professional development.
As a Lead Practitioner, you'll be a positive role model for outstanding Early Years practice, helping to create a nurturing, stimulating, well-organised and safe environment where babies and young children can thrive. Working closely with the leadership team, you'll play an important role in supporting the operational flow of the nursery whilst maintaining the highest standards of care, learning and wellbeing.
We are committed to investing in our staff and offer opportunities for professional development, including leadership development for the right candidate who wishes to further develop their expertise in supporting inclusive practice.
You will have:
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in Early Years
- Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage
- Experience of supervising and leading others
- Experience of working with young children in a nursery setting
- A commitment to inclusive practice and supporting children with SEND
- A willingness to undertake further training
- Flexibility to work across the nursery age range
This full-time, indefinite post is available from 7 September 2026. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointment will be subject to a criminal record check at Enhanced level from the Disclosure and Barring Service, including a check of the Child Barred List. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Benefits include:
- 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days.
- Family and Work-life balance policies including considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
Closing date: 16 August 2026
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.
For further information, including the Job Description and Person Specification, please see the attached Candidate Brochure. For an informal discussion about the post please contact Carol Vincent, Head of Nursery Services via nursery@uea.ac.uk.
Lead Early Years Practitioner (SC5037) in Norwich employer: UEA
UEA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation in wildlife biology and microbiome research. With flexible working arrangements, generous benefits such as 34 days of annual leave, and a strong focus on personal development, employees are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful scientific advancements. Located in a vibrant academic community, UEA provides unique opportunities for collaboration and engagement with leading researchers in the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Early Years Practitioner (SC5037) in Norwich
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like UEA often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Early Years Practitioner (SC5037) in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at UEA
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at UEA. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at UEA.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at UEA.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at UEA.
