Senior Lead Early Years Practitioner

Woodland Day Nursery; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 31,260 - 32,020; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Christmas bonus

Birthday off each year

Annual pay reviews

Ongoing training and development

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Woodland Day Nursery in Bournemouth is seeking a Senior Lead Early Years Practitioner (Third in Charge) for a maternity cover. The role combines hands-on childcare with leadership, guiding staff and maintaining Outstanding standards.

You will work 40 hours per week, Mon-Fri, in a small setting caring for 25 children aged 2–5, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding and high-quality learning experiences. The position requires a full Level 3 Early Years qualification, EYFS knowledge, and effective

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) – essential
• Previous experience with children aged 2–5 years
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge
• Strong communication and organisational skills

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day running of the nursery and lead by example
• Mentor colleagues and assist management duties as required
• Provide high-quality care and education for children aged 2–5 in line with EYFS

Skills

Leadership experience

Mentoring colleagues

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Senior Lead Early Years Practitioner (Level 3 Third in Charge) – Maternity Cover

Location: Woodland Day Nursery, 5 Harcourt Road, Bournemouth, BH5 2JG
Job Type: Full-Time, All Year Round (40 hours per week)
Salary: £15.03 - £15.42 per hour (depending on experience)

Join Our Outstanding Nursery

Are you an experienced Early Years Practitioner looking to take the next step in your career? Do you have a passion for inspiring young children while supporting and leading a dedicated team?

Woodland Day Nursery is looking for a Senior Lead Early Years Practitioner (Third in Charge) to join our friendly and supportive team on a maternity cover basis.

Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, we pride ourselves on providing a warm, nurturing, and homely environment where children are at the heart of everything we do. We are a small nursery caring for up to 25 children aged 2–5 years, allowing us to provide high-quality, individualised care and learning experiences.

About the Role

As our Third in Charge, you will work closely with the management team to support the day-to-day running of the nursery while remaining room-based with the children. You will help inspire learning, support your colleagues, and ensure the highest standards of care and education are maintained.

This role combines hands‑on childcare with leadership responsibilities, including supporting staff, mentoring colleagues, and assisting with managerial duties when required.

Working Hours:

• Monday to Friday
• 40 hours per week
• 8:00am – 5:30pm (4 days)
• 8:00am – 1:00pm (1 day)

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and experienced childcare professional who has:

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) – essential
• Previous experience working with children aged 2–5 years
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, SEN, and current Government guidance
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge and commitment to children's welfare
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• The ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
• Leadership experience, including mentoring or supporting staff (preferred)

You will be a key person for a group of children while helping to lead by example and maintain our Outstanding standards.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Every member of staff is responsible for protecting children by following robust safeguarding procedures and promoting a safe, nurturing environment.

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Complete safeguarding training
• Undergo an enhanced DBS check
• Provide two satisfactory references

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £15.03 - £15.42 per hour
• Work within an Ofsted Outstanding nursery
• Christmas bonus
• Birthday off each year
• Increased annual leave with length of service
• Annual pay reviews
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Paid overtime for meetings and training outside normal working hours
• Paid Bank Holidays
• Workplace pension
• Wellbeing support
• Friendly, supportive, and collaborative team
• Beautiful natural learning environment

Apply Today

If you're passionate about early years education and ready to join a caring, dedicated team where your ideas, experience, and commitment are genuinely valued, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: Applicants must hold a full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification (or above). Unfortunately, unqualified applicants cannot be considered.