Lead Early Years Practitioner: Elevate Practice & Inclusion

LLOYD'S REGISTER INTERNATIONAL; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare

Holiday camp access

25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays

Health & wellbeing support

Family leave provisions

Cycle to Work scheme

Professional learning opportunities

Blue Light Card eligibility

Job summary

YMCA Fairthorne Group is seeking a Lead Early Years Practitioner to join our nursery leadership team. You’ll work across rooms and outdoors, coaching colleagues, observing children, and helping identify and support those who need additional help to thrive.

This role focuses on inclusion, safeguarding and high-quality care, with scope to influence practice across the setting and to develop SEND and safeguarding expertise while remaining hands-on with children.

Qualifications

• Experience in Early Years settings.
• Level 5 Early Years or Childcare qualification preferred; Level 3 with relevant background considered.
• Paediatric First Aid and Designated Safeguarding Lead training would be valuable; training can be supported.

Responsibilities

• work alongside practitioners across the setting
• observe children and help identify where additional support may be needed
• support key persons to develop appropriate support plans
• help coordinate referrals and next steps where specialist support is required
• coach practitioners and model strong Early Years practice
• support colleagues to build confidence in SEND, behaviour and inclusion
• contribute to nursery improvement priorities
• help embed high standards of care and practice across rooms
• support safeguarding and safe Early Years practice
• deputise for the Nursery Manager when required
• spend time directly with children in rooms and outdoor spaces.

Job description

YMCA Fairthorne Group is seeking a Lead Early Years Practitioner to join our nursery leadership team. You’ll work across rooms and outdoors, coaching colleagues, observing children, and helping identify and support those who need additional help to thrive.

This role focuses on inclusion, safeguarding and high-quality care, with scope to influence practice across the setting and to develop SEND and safeguarding expertise while remaining hands-on with children.