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- Tasks: Support children with additional needs and coach nursery teams to provide high-quality care.
- Company: Join a nurturing charity committed to diversity and inclusion in early years education.
- Benefits: 100% childcare discount, joining bonus, health cash plan, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3 with relevant experience and a passion for child development.
- Other info: Enjoy a modern workplace with excellent resources and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Our Benefits:
- 100% discount on childcare
- Joining Bonus! Total of £500
- Early Years Financial Incentive Scheme, we can now offer a £1000 payment to eligible new or returning staff, funded by the Department for Education
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Health Cash plan - Including Medical/Dental/Online retail discounts
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per annum)
- Celebration Leave
- Employer pension
- Flexible working
- Career development
- Enhanced Maternity
- Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
- Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor: campsite, river hire, activities, day camps
- 30% discount on food in Cafes: Fairthorne, Eastleigh and Andover
- Wellbeing assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Good quality resources and a modern environment
- A welcoming, caring and supportive culture
Lead Practitioner employer: Ymca Fairthorne Manor
Contact Detail:
Ymca Fairthorne Manor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Lead Practitioner role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to childcare. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to professional development. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential employers face-to-face!
✨Tip Number 3
When you land that interview, be ready to showcase your experience with children who have additional needs. Share specific examples of how you've developed individual education plans or coached staff to improve care standards. We want to see your passion in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Lead Practitioner role!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Child Development: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for supporting children's growth and development. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of children, especially those with additional needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in early years settings, particularly any roles where you’ve implemented improvements or coached staff. We want to know how your background aligns with the Lead Practitioner role!
Be Clear About Your Qualifications: List your childcare qualifications clearly, including any relevant training like SENCO or First Aid. This helps us quickly see how you meet the essential criteria for the position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ymca Fairthorne Manor
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development, behaviour management, and safeguarding practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children who require additional support, as this will show that you're serious about the role and understand its importance.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached or developed staff in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you’ve implemented improvements or set objectives, as this will demonstrate your leadership capabilities and commitment to high standards of care.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Individual Education Plans
Since you'll be involved in developing individual education plans, come prepared to discuss your approach to identifying children's needs and how you would tailor support for them. This shows that you’re proactive and ready to make a real difference in the nursery.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery's improvement plans, team dynamics, and how they support staff development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you.