Pre School Room Leader/Lead Practitioner

Lumina Energy; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early years education provider in Maidstone seeks a Pre School Room Leader/Lead Practitioner to contribute to outstanding early years education. With a salary of £26,000 pro rata and career progression opportunities, this role involves leading a team, ensuring high standards of care, and building strong partnerships with families. Candidates should have a level 3 qualification and relevant experience in early years settings.

Benefits

Life assurance cover (4x salary)

Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution

Retail and gym discounts

Health cash plan

Cycle to work scheme

Volunteer days

Comprehensive wellbeing programme

Tailored learning and development support

High-quality professional development training

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of level 3 relevant Early Years qualification required.
• Previously attended relevant first aid and safeguarding training.
• Significant experience in a specific aspect of early years.

Responsibilities

• Lead the promotion of safeguarding policies and wellbeing of children.
• Build and motivate a cohesive team for excellence.
• Provide exceptional care and learning in line with EYFS framework.

Skills

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Experience in childcare/early education

First aid training

Safeguarding training

Education

Level 3 relevant Early Years qualification

Job description

Location: Discovery Day Nursery, Maidstone
Salary/package: £26,000 pro rata
Contract type: Permanent, Term-Time Only
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

This is an exciting opportunity to join The Education People as a Pre School Room Leader/Lead Practitioner, where you’ll play a key role in shaping outstanding early years education. As part of a respected and forward-thinking organisation, you’ll help drive excellence, innovation, and positive outcomes for children and families.

Due to the nature of work being carried out, an Enhanced DBS check (provided by the Company) will be carried out, please consider this before submitting your application.

Who we are

The Education People, part of Commercial Services Group (CSG) is very proud to run three high quality nurseries in Kent.

The Education People have developed their nursery group with a family ethos, which they feel encompasses children and their families, as well as their highly skilled and committed staff teams.

They are committed to maintaining the quality of their workforce and recognise the importance in investing in their staff’s professional development, wellbeing and career progression. If you are a motivated individual who is looking for an exciting opportunity in the early years and childcare workforce, then please apply today. They are an innovative company and are looking for like-minded people to join their family and have a positive impact on outcomes for our children.

Why this role matters

The Lead Practitioner plays a vital role in supporting high-quality early years education by leading practice within the nursery, ensuring adherence to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and fostering a culture of safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement. They act as a key support to the Nursery Manager, mentor staff, and build strong partnerships with families to enhance children's learning and development. This role is central to delivering outstanding childcare and driving excellence across the setting.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the promotion of safeguarding policies, ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children in the nursery.
• Build and motivate a cohesive team committed to delivering excellence through coaching, mentoring, and continuous improvement.
• Provide exceptional care, teaching, and learning in line with the EYFS framework, both indoors and outdoors.
• Ensure a high-quality, inclusive learning environment that meets the individual needs of all children.
• Develop respectful, empowering partnerships with families and collaborate effectively with colleagues and external professionals.

What we’re looking for

• A minimum of level 3 relevant Early Years qualification
• Previously attended relevant first aid and safeguarding training
• Proven significant experience of a childcare/early education setting, working with children and their families to enhance learning
• Significant experience in a specific aspect of early years
• Successful implementation of EYFS 0-5 curriculum

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of £26,000 pro rata
• Life assurance cover (4x salary)
• Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution
• Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme
• Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme
• Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress
• High-quality regular professional development training to support and develop your skills
• Career progression opportunities across the nursery family
• Dedicated team days with colleagues from across the family to network and develop strong pedagogy

Why CSG?

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions.

We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies.

CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.