Lead Practitioner

YMCA England & Wales; Newport; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking charity as a Lead Practitioner, focusing on supporting children with additional needs in a nurturing nursery environment. This role is vital in developing individual education plans and coaching staff to ensure high-quality care. You will be part of a dedicated leadership team, contributing to nursery improvements while working directly with children and staff. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families, fostering a culture of support and inclusion. If you are passionate about early years education, this role is for you!

Benefits

Blue Light Card eligibility

Employer pension

25 days holiday

Option to purchase additional leave

Celebration leave

50% discount on nursery fees

Day camps discounts

Campsite discounts

Wellbeing assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3 with relevant experience.
• Experience in early years setting improvements and coaching staff.

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

SENCO Knowledge

Health and Safety

Safeguarding Practices

Coaching Staff

Education

Level 5 Childcare Qualification

Level 3 Childcare Qualification

Job description

• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Employer pension
• 25 days holiday, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per year)
• Celebration leave
• 50% discount on nursery fees
• Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
• Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
• Wellbeing assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Good quality resources and a modern environment
• A welcoming, caring and supportive culture

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.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 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.

Personal Attributes

• A genuine enthusiasm for early years with a passion for raising the quality and standards of the provision for children.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and lead others.
• A desire to develop others and self.
• The ability to communicate and engage with a wide range of people, including children, parents, outside agencies, nursery staff and management.
• A genuine enthusiasm for the work of the charity.
• An innovative and flexible approach to work.

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.