Nursery Lead Practitioner

Thrive Childcare and Education; Salford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral scheme

Birthday holiday

Christmas week closure

Childcare discount

Counselling sessions

Health plans

Discounts

Long service awards

Career progression

DBS paid

Job summary

Thrive Childcare and Education in Salford is seeking a Lead Practitioner for Nature Kindergarten Media City. You will lead your room team, deliver high-quality childcare and EYFS education, and support children's learning and development in a supportive nursery setting.

This role is ideal for an experienced Room Leader aiming to progress within a growing nursery group, with a strong focus on safeguarding, teamwork and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification or higher in Early Years (essential).
• Experience as Lead Practitioner or Room Leader.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Caring, enthusiastic and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of nursery practitioners.
• Deliver high-quality childcare and EYFS-aligned education.
• Plan activities to support learning and school readiness.
• Build relationships with parents and carers.
• Monitor, observe and assess children’s progress.
• Support safeguarding, health and safety standards.
• Create a safe, nurturing nursery environment.
• Mentor colleagues within the nursery.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Communication

Childcare expertise

Education

Early Years Level 3 or higher

Job description

Location: Nature Kindergarten Media City

Job: Lead Practitioner

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!

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 Nature Kindergarten Media City.

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.

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.

Our Values

Children first every time | Deliver every day with passion | Be a positive role model | Teamwork