Lead Practitioner

Thrive Childcare and Education; Salford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral scheme

Birthday holiday & wellbeing day

Branded outdoor jackets

Childcare discount

Health plan including dental cashback

High street & gym discounts

Counselling sessions

Long service awards

Recognition rewards with cash

Career progression opportunities

DBS registration paid

Plus many more

Job summary

Thrive Childcare and Education is hiring a Lead Practitioner for Holyrood Salford Nursery. This full-time role supports a room team, delivers high-quality childcare and EYFS-based education, and drives school readiness.

The successful candidate will have Level 3 in Early Years, previous Lead Practitioner or Room Leader experience, and strong communication and leadership abilities, with commitment to safeguarding and team mentoring.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification or above in Early Years (essential).
• Experience working as a Lead Practitioner or Room Leader.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting a team of nursery practitioners.
• Delivering high-quality childcare and education in line with the EYFS framework.
• Planning engaging activities to support children’s learning, development, and school readiness.
• Building strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Monitoring, observing, and assessing children’s progress.
• Supporting safeguarding, health & safety, and nursery compliance standards.
• Creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating nursery environment.
• Acting as a positive role model within the nursery team.
• Supporting and mentoring colleagues within the nursery.

Skills

Excellent communication

Leadership skills

Understanding EYFS

Education

Level 3 qualification or above in Early Years

Job description

• Earn up to £400 per month through our referral scheme
• Birthday holiday + wellbeing day (2 additional paid days off)
• Company supplied branded outdoor jackets
• Up to 85% childcare discount (T&Cs apply)
• High street and gym membership discounts
• Free face-to-face counselling sessions
• Long service awards
• Monthly colleague recognition rewards with cash incentives
• Excellent career progression opportunities
• DBS registration paid for
• Plus many more amazing benefits!

Lead Practitioner Job Description

At Thrive Childcare and Education, we put our children first—but we invest in our people too. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Lead Practitioner to join our team at Holyrood Salford Nursery. This opportunity is ideal for a current Lead Practitioner or Room Leader looking to progress within a supportive and growing nursery group. As a Lead Practitioner, you will play a key role in leading your room team, supporting children’s learning and development, and delivering outstanding childcare and early years education within our nursery setting. If you are an experienced Room Leader with strong leadership skills and a passion for childcare, we would love to hear from you.

Location: Holyrood Salford Nursery

Job Type: Full Time - 40 Hours Per Week

Salary: £14.00 Per Hour

Benefits

• Earn up to £400 per month through our referral scheme
• Birthday holiday + wellbeing day (2 additional paid days off)
• Christmas week closure + Christmas shopping vouchers
• Company supplied branded outdoor jackets
• Up to 85% childcare discount (T&Cs apply)
• Cash health plans including dental cashback
• High street and gym membership discounts
• Free face-to-face counselling sessions
• Long service awards
• Monthly colleague recognition rewards with cash incentives
• Excellent career progression opportunities
• DBS registration paid for
• Plus many more amazing benefits!

Key Responsibilities - Lead Practitioner / Room Leader

• Leading and supporting a team of nursery practitioners
• Delivering high-quality childcare and education in line with the EYFS framework
• Planning engaging activities to support children’s learning, development, and school readiness
• Building strong relationships with parents and carers
• Monitoring, observing, and assessing children’s progress
• Supporting safeguarding, health & safety, and nursery compliance standards
• Creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating nursery environment
• Acting as a positive role model within the nursery team
• Supporting and mentoring colleagues within the nursery

Requirements

• Level 3 qualification or above in Early Years (essential)
• Experience working as a Lead Practitioner or Room Leader
• Strong understanding of the EYFS framework
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Passion for childcare and early years education
• A caring, enthusiastic, and proactive approach

About Thrive Childcare And Education

Thrive Childcare and Education provides outstanding childcare and early years education throughout the North West of England and Scotland. With over 20 years of experience managing award-winning nurseries, we are passionate about developing our people and supporting career progression within our teams. Our nurseries provide a supportive, friendly, and inspiring environment where both children and colleagues can thrive.

Children first everytime | Deliver everyday with passion | Be a positive role model | Teamwork