Lead Early Years Practitioner — Inspire Practice for All

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare

Day Camp for children (free week)

Annual leave up to 30 days

Health and wellbeing plan

Family leave provisions

Cycle to Work scheme

Professional learning opportunities

Job summary

YMCA Fairthorne Group is seeking a Lead Early Years Practitioner to join our nursery leadership team. You will work across the setting to strengthen practice, observe children, and support plans for children with additional needs.

You’ll coach colleagues, model high-quality Early Years practice, and help embed safeguarding and inclusive care. You’ll spend time with children in rooms and outdoor spaces, deputising for the Nursery Manager when needed and contributing to nursery improvement

Qualifications

• Lead Practitioner role in nursery leadership supporting children with additional needs
• Coaching practitioners and modelling high-quality Early Years practice
• Knowledge of safeguarding and health and safety
• Experience of observing practice and supporting improvements
• Ability to build trust with families and practitioners

Responsibilities

• Work alongside practitioners across the setting to strengthen practice
• Observe children and identify where additional support is needed
• Support key persons to develop appropriate support plans
• Coordinate referrals and next steps for specialist support
• Coach practitioners and model strong Early Years practice
• Contribute to nursery improvement priorities and safeguarding
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager when required
• Spend time directly with children in rooms and outdoor spaces

Skills

Coaching

Observation

SEND knowledge

Safeguarding

Communication with families

Inclusion

Education

Level 5 Early Years or Childcare qualification

Level 3 practitioner background willing to develop

Job description

YMCA Fairthorne Group is seeking a Lead Early Years Practitioner to join our nursery leadership team. You will work across the setting to strengthen practice, observe children, and support plans for children with additional needs.

You’ll coach colleagues, model high-quality Early Years practice, and help embed safeguarding and inclusive care. You’ll spend time with children in rooms and outdoor spaces, deputising for the Nursery Manager when needed and contributing to nursery improvement