Nursery Lead Practitioner

HealthJobs4U Ltd; Tameside; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

HealthJobs4U Ltd is seeking an Early Years Lead Practitioner to join our Manchester setting. You will lead the 2–3-year-old room, supervise staff, and drive high-quality care and education aligned with EYFS.

You’ll focus on children's development, wellbeing and inclusive practice while collaborating with the management team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and continuous improvement.

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.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and current practice.
• Thorough safeguarding and child protection understanding.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Inspection Framework.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to motivate, support and lead a team.
• Proactive approach with initiative and good organisation.

Responsibilities

• 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 curiosity, independence and development.
• Ensure the room operates effectively, including staff deployment, ratios and day-to-day organisation.
• Support and supervise nursery practitioners, including peer observations.
• Monitor children's development and ensure observations, assessments and records are completed accurately.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every child and staff member feels valued and supported.
• Build strong relationships with children, parents, colleagues and external professionals.
• Work with management and other Room Leaders to ensure the nursery runs smoothly.
• Identify opportunities to improve teaching, learning and the environment.
• Follow safeguarding, health & safety, EYFS and company policies.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

Communication

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education

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.