Lead Practitioner

TN United Kingdom; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking charity as a Lead Practitioner, where you will play a vital role in supporting children with additional needs. This rewarding position allows you to work closely with children and staff, implementing best practices and developing individualized education plans. You will have the opportunity to coach your team and contribute to the overall improvement of the nursery. With a commitment to personal and professional development, you will benefit from access to online training modules and the chance to gain additional qualifications. Be part of a caring and supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays

50% discount on nursery fees

Wellbeing assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Access to online professional development modules

Inspiring opportunities to work in different settings

Qualifications

• Experience of implementing improvements in early years settings.
• Understanding of child development and working with identified groups.

Responsibilities

• Observe children and identify those needing additional support.
• Develop individual education plans and coach nursery teams.
• Contribute to nursery improvement plans and deputise for the Nursery Manager.

Skills

Child Development

Behaviour Management

Coaching Staff

Health and Safety Knowledge

Safeguarding Best Practices

Education

Level 5 Childcare Qualification

Level 3 Childcare Qualification

Job description

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• Blue Light Card eligibility
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per annum)
• 50% discount on nursery fees
• 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 primary focus on supporting children across the setting who have any form of additional need or vulnerability.

The job holder will observe children and, alongside key persons, 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 occasionally deputise in the absence of the Nursery Manager. This role is primarily supernumerary, with most of the time 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 working with identified groups of children
• Good knowledge of health and safety matters
• Understanding of safeguarding best practices
• Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to train
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (level 3 or above) or willingness to train

Successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunities charity committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be available upon request.

Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity that continues to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.