Senior Early Years Practitioner

UCM Recruitment; London Borough of Barnet; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

UCM Education is seeking a dedicated Senior Nursery Practitioner in Barnet, to lead daily practice in a busy setting and drive high-quality early years learning.

You will mentor staff, coordinate inductions and appraisals, and plan lessons in line with EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted expectations, with career progression towards deputy and management roles. This full-time role requires a Level 3 EYFS qualification and at least two years in a nursery environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification and at least two years’ experience.
• Experience in a senior or supervisory role is preferred.
• Solid EYFS knowledge and safeguarding understanding.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day practice in your room while supporting high-quality teaching and learning.
• Mentor and supervise staff, inductions, appraisals.
• Plan curriculum in line with EYFS.
• Monitor practice and drive continuous improvement.
• Support safeguarding practices and culture.
• Collaborate with parents, carers and SEND services.
• Assist with operational duties and nursery day-to-day running.

Skills

Staff leadership

Curriculum planning

Mentoring

Safeguarding

Parent liaison

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

We are looking for an dedicated and experienced Senior Nursery Practitioner to join a well-established preschool nursery in Barnet.

This is a full-time position within a high-quality early years setting and is ideal for a senior practitioner or room leader who is ready to take the next step towards deputy and future management progression.

You will be:

• Leading the day-to-day practice within your room and supporting high-quality teaching and learning
• Mentoring and supporting staff, including inductions, supervisions, and appraisals
• Taking responsibility for curriculum planning in line with the EYFS framework
• Monitoring practice and supporting continuous improvement across the setting
• Supporting safeguarding procedures and promoting a strong safeguarding culture
• Working closely with parents, carers, and external professionals, including SEND services
• Assisting with operational duties, including record keeping, health and safety, and compliance
• Supporting occupancy, organisation, and the smooth running of the nursery

The successful candidate will hold a minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification and have at least two years’ experience within an early years setting, ideally in a senior or supervisory role. A strong understanding of the EYFS framework, Ofsted requirements, safeguarding, and staff leadership is essential. A commitment to working towards a Level 4 qualification is expected.

About UCM Education

UCM Education works closely with nurseries and schools across the UK to place education professionals into roles where they can thrive.

Due to the volume of applications received, we may be unable to contact all unsuccessful applicants.

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment