Early Years Lead Practitioner

Progressive Sports; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare

Bonuses

Overtime pay

Career progression

CPD training

Staff events

Team culture

Pension scheme

Work-life balance

Job summary

Progressive Sports is seeking an Early Years Lead Practitioner to oversee our wraparound EYFS provision. You will lead the setting, design engaging play-based activities aligned with EYFS, and mentor Activity Leaders to ensure high standards.

We offer term-time and part-time options, with paid overtime during holidays and a strong focus on professional development and work-life balance. The role emphasizes leadership and child-centered care.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years Qualification (essential).
• Strong understanding of EYFS framework and safeguarding practices.
• Experience within an Early Years or childcare setting.
• Confidence to lead a small team and take ownership of a provision.
• Passion for child development and high-quality childcare.
• Strong communication, organisation and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a high-quality EYFS wraparound care setting.
• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning activities aligned with EYFS frameworks.
• Support, guide and mentor Activity Leaders to maintain high standards of delivery.
• Take ownership of daily operations within the setting.
• Build strong and positive relationships with parents, schools and colleagues.

Skills

Team leadership

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Communication

Organisation

Education

Level 3 Early Years

Job description

Hours: 20–25 hours per week (7:30am–9:00am & 3:00pm–6:00pm, term time)

Additional Hours: Up to 40 hours per week available during school holidays

Pay: £13.50 – £14.50 per hour (dependent on experience)

Contract Types: Term-time only | Part-time | Annual | No weekends

Your Role as an Early Years Lead Practitioner

As a key leader within the setting, you will take responsibility for delivering outstanding EYFS provision during our wraparound care hours.

You will:

• Lead and manage a high-quality EYFS wraparound care setting
• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning activities aligned with EYFS frameworks
• Support, guide and mentor Activity Leaders to maintain high standards of delivery
• Take ownership of daily operations within the setting
• Build strong and positive relationships with parents, schools and colleagues

What We're Looking For

• Level 3 Early Years Qualification (essential)
• Strong understanding of EYFS framework and safeguarding practices
• Experience within an Early Years or childcare setting
• Confidence to lead a small team and take ownership of a provision
• Passion for child development and high-quality childcare
• Strong communication, organisation and leadership skills

What We Offer

• Free childcare
• Performance-related pay bonuses
• Paid overtime available during school holidays
• Career progression opportunities
• Monthly CPD and training sessions
• Staff social events and networking group
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Optional pension scheme
• Excellent work-life balance (no weekends)

Why Join Progressive?

At Progressive, we are committed to delivering outstanding childcare and creating meaningful opportunities for both children and staff. You will be part of a growing organisation that values development, innovation and high standards across all settings.

We are on a journey to become the leading childcare provider in the UK - and we will be better with you.