Lead Practitioner

YMCA; Andover; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA seeks a dedicated Lead Practitioner for their nursery, focusing on supporting children with additional needs. The ideal candidate will enhance nursery practices through coaching, create individualized education plans, and work collaboratively within a caring and diverse environment, embodying the organization's commitment to community success.

Benefits

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays, increasing with service

Access to online professional development modules

Cycle to work scheme

Wellbeing assistance programme

Good quality resources and a modern environment

Qualifications

• Experience in early years setting with improvements and staff coaching.
• Understanding of SENCO and support for children with additional needs.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to train.

Responsibilities

• Support children with additional needs and develop individual education plans.
• Coach staff and ensure high standards of care are met.
• Contribute to nursery improvement plans and deputize for the Nursery Manager.

Skills

Child development

Behaviour management

Safeguarding good practice

Health and safety knowledge

Education

Level 5 childcare qualification

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

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.