Lead Practitioner

YMCA England & Wales; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking charity dedicated to supporting children and families in the community. As a Lead Practitioner, you will play a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment for children with additional needs. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead, coach, and inspire nursery staff while directly impacting children's lives. With a focus on professional development and a supportive culture, you will have access to various training modules and qualifications. Be part of an organization that champions diversity and inclusion, making a real difference in the community.

Benefits

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays

50% discount on nursery fees

Wellbeing assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Access to online professional development modules

Qualifications

• Experience in implementing improvements in early years settings.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and child development.

Responsibilities

• Support children with additional needs and develop individual education plans.
• Coach nursery teams to maintain high standards of care.

Skills

Child Development

Behaviour Management

Coaching Staff

Health and Safety Knowledge

Safeguarding Practices

Education

Level 5 Childcare Qualification

Level 3 Childcare Qualification

Job description

• 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 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.