Nursery Lead Practitioner

Busy Kids Private Nursery; Tameside; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Friendly team

Professional development

Supportive environment

Career progression

Job summary

Busy Kids Private Nursery in Manchester is seeking an experienced Early Years Lead Practitioner to lead the 2–3-year-old room and drive high-quality care and education.

You will work with a dedicated team, model best practice under EYFS, monitor development, and partner with parents and professionals to support every child's learning journey.

Ideal candidates hold Level 3 in Early Years, have leadership experience, and a passion for children's wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or equivalent.
• Proven experience in the early years sector.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a nursery setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and current practice.
• Thorough understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the team within your allocated room, acting as a positive role model.
• Put children's needs, development and wellbeing at the heart of your practice.
• Deliver high-quality care, education and learning opportunities in line with EYFS.
• Plan and provide stimulating experiences that encourage curiosity and development.
• Ensure the room operates effectively, including staff deployment and day-to-day organisation.
• Supervise nursery practitioners and carry out peer observations.
• Monitor children's development and maintain observations and records.
• Foster an inclusive environment where all children and staff feel valued.
• Build strong relationships with children, parents, colleagues and external professionals.
• Collaborate with the management team to ensure smooth nursery operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve teaching and the environment.
• Follow safeguarding, health & safety, EYFS and company policies.

Skills

Team leadership

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding awareness

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Early Years Lead Practitioner

Location: Ann Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M34 2GJ
Salary: Dependent on experience and qualification
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated, passionate and self-driven Early Years Lead Practitioner to join our growing team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early years professional who enjoys leading a team, creating stimulating learning environments and putting children's needs at the heart of everything they do.

You will work within our 2–3-year-old room, providing high-quality care and education while supporting and supervising the team to ensure the room operates effectively.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and support the team within your allocated room, acting as a positive role model.

• Put children's individual needs, development and wellbeing at the heart of your practice.

• Deliver high-quality care, education and learning opportunities in line with the EYFS.

• Plan and provide stimulating experiences that encourage children's curiosity, independence and development.

• Ensure the room operates effectively, including staff deployment, ratios and day-to-day organisation.

• Support and supervise nursery practitioners, including carrying out peer observations.

• Monitor children's development and ensure observations, assessments and records are completed accurately.

• Promote an inclusive environment where every child and member of staff feels valued and supported.

• Build strong relationships with children, parents, colleagues and external professionals.

• Work closely with the management team and other Room Leaders to ensure the successful running of the nursery.

• Identify opportunities to improve teaching, learning and the environment.

• Follow safeguarding, health & safety, EYFS and company policies and procedures.

• Remain calm and effective when working under pressure in a busy nursery environment.

What We're Looking For

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or a relevant childcare qualification.

• Proven experience working within the early years sector.

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience within a nursery setting.

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and current early years practice.

• Thorough understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

• Knowledge of the Early Years Inspection Framework.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to motivate, support and lead a team.

• A proactive approach with the ability to use initiative.

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.

• A genuine passion for children's learning, development and wellbeing.

What We Offer

You will be joining a friendly, caring and supportive team where teamwork, professional development and high-quality childcare are at the heart of the setting.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader looking to develop their leadership experience while making a real difference to children and their development.