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- Tasks: Lead and support children with additional needs in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join a caring charity dedicated to improving children's lives and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days holiday, discounts on childcare, and wellbeing programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's development while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3 with relevant experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and training in a vibrant, inclusive setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- Employer pension
- 25 days holiday, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per year)
- Celebration leave
- 50% discount on nursery fees
- Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
- Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
- Wellbeing assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Good quality resources and a modern environment
- A welcoming, caring and supportive culture
Job Purpose
The Lead Practitioner is a key member of our nursery leadership team, with a prime focus on supporting children across the setting who have any form of additional need or vulnerability.
The job holder will be expected to observe children and, alongside keypersons, identify children in need of additional support, develop individual education plans, make onward referrals, and support and coach nursery teams to embed high standards of care to meet identified needs.
As part of the leadership team, the Lead Practitioner will also contribute towards the wider nursery improvement plan, coach and develop staff and on occasions deputise in the absence of the Nursery Manager. This post is primarily supernumerary with an expectation that the majority of time will be spent working directly with staff and children, in rooms and the garden.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3, relevant experience and willingness to train.
- Experience of implementing improvements in an early years setting, including demonstrating best practice, coaching staff, setting objectives, and keeping records.
- Experience and understanding of child development, behaviour management, SENCO and identified groups of children.
- Good knowledge of matters relating to health and safety.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding good practice.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to train.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (level 3 or above) or willingness to train.
Personal Attributes
- A genuine enthusiasm for early years with a passion for raising the quality and standards of the provision for children.
- Ability to motivate, inspire and lead others.
- A desire to develop others and self.
- The ability to communicate and engage with a wide range of people, including children, parents, outside agencies, nursery staff and management.
- A genuine enthusiasm for the work of the charity.
- An innovative and flexible approach to work.
Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.
We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.
Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continue to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.
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Created on 16/07/2025 by TN United Kingdom
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Lead Practitioner employer: YMCA England & Wales
Contact Detail:
YMCA England & Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with additional requirements. Understanding the latest strategies and best practices in early years education will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the nursery to gain insights into their culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in coaching and developing staff. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented improvements in an early years setting, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Lead Practitioner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for early years education during any interactions with the hiring team. Your genuine passion for raising standards and supporting children's development will resonate well with the values of the charity.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that align with the Lead Practitioner role. Emphasise your Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3 with relevant experience, as well as any specific achievements in early years settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early years education and your ability to support children with additional needs. Mention your experience in coaching staff and implementing improvements, as these are key aspects of the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight skills such as communication, leadership, and your understanding of child development and safeguarding practices. These attributes are essential for the Lead Practitioner position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA England & Wales
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for early years education during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning and development in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Skills
As a Lead Practitioner, you'll be expected to coach and develop staff. Prepare to discuss your experience in mentoring others, including any strategies you've used to inspire and motivate your team.
✨Highlight Your Knowledge of Safeguarding
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices. Discuss any relevant training you've completed and how you've applied this knowledge in your previous positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to support children with additional needs. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified and addressed such needs.
