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- Tasks: Lead and support children with additional needs in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join YMCA, a charity dedicated to community support and personal development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts on camps, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3 with relevant experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development with access to online modules and qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Social network you want to login/join with:
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per annum)
- 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
The YMCA are huge advocates of personal and professional development. When you work with us, you also benefit from:
- Access to 26 online professional development modules
- Attain additional qualifications such as SENCO, Forest School qualification
- Inspiring opportunities to work in different settings and share practice
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.
- 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.
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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Lead Practitioner employer: YMCA
Contact Detail:
YMCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the YMCA's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully supported children with additional needs. Highlighting these instances will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role of Lead Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the YMCA. They can provide valuable insights into the organisation's culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on best practices in early years education and child development. Being knowledgeable about current trends and methodologies will not only impress during interviews but also show your commitment to professional development.
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 in early years settings, particularly any roles where you've implemented improvements or coached staff. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of child development and behaviour management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting children with additional needs. Mention your qualifications, such as your Level 5 childcare qualification, and how they align with the responsibilities of the Lead Practitioner role.
Showcase Your Understanding of Safeguarding: Include details about your knowledge of safeguarding practices and any relevant training you've completed. If you have experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, be sure to highlight this in your application.
Highlight Professional Development: Mention any professional development modules or additional qualifications you have attained, especially those related to SENCO or early years education. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA
✨Show Your Passion for Child Development
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with additional needs. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's development in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your commitment to their growth.
✨Highlight Your Coaching Experience
Since the role involves coaching and developing staff, be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring others. Provide examples of how you've successfully guided colleagues in implementing best practices or improving their skills.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Safeguarding Practices
Understanding safeguarding is crucial for this position. Be ready to talk about your knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, and share any relevant experiences where you ensured a safe environment for children.
✨Prepare Questions About Professional Development
The YMCA values personal and professional growth, so come prepared with questions about the training opportunities available. This shows that you're eager to learn and grow within the organisation, aligning with their values.
