Lead EY Practitioner: Elevate Practice Across the Nursery

YMCA Fairthorne Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare for YMCA employees

Holiday entitlement up to 30 days

Health and wellbeing benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

YMCA Fairthorne Group is seeking a Lead Early Years Practitioner to join our nursery leadership team. You will observe practice, coach colleagues, and help ensure that children with additional needs are identified and supported effectively.

You will spend time with children in rooms and outdoor spaces, influencing practice across the setting. You will develop and implement support plans, coordinate referrals, and uphold safeguarding and high standards of care.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading practice in Early Years settings.
• Ability to coach and develop other practitioners.
• Strong understanding of SEND and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Observe children and identify where additional support is needed.
• Develop appropriate support plans with key persons.
• Coordinate referrals and next steps for specialist support.
• Coach practitioners and model strong Early Years practice.
• Support safeguarding and health and safety across rooms.

Skills

Coaching

Observation

Inclusion and SEND

Safeguarding

Communication

Education

Level 5 Early Years or Childcare qualification

Level 3 Early Years experience

Job description

YMCA Fairthorne Group is seeking a Lead Early Years Practitioner to join our nursery leadership team. You will observe practice, coach colleagues, and help ensure that children with additional needs are identified and supported effectively.

You will spend time with children in rooms and outdoor spaces, influencing practice across the setting. You will develop and implement support plans, coordinate referrals, and uphold safeguarding and high standards of care.