Senior Nursery Practitioner

Local Services 2 You; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cash plan

Company events

Company pension

Employee discount for childcare

On-site free parking

Job summary

LS2Y Nurseries in Huddersfield is seeking a Senior Nursery Practitioner to lead high-quality care for children aged three months to five years, modelling outstanding practice and coaching colleagues. You will ensure EYFS standards and nursery policies are followed while progressing quality improvements with Nursery Management.

As a Key Person, you will build strong relationships with a small group of children and their families, delivering inclusive, responsive care and guiding the team to

Qualifications

• Qualified to Level 3 or above in Early Years.
• Senior role experience in an early years setting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, EYFS, SEND and Ofsted requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead practitioner, modelling outstanding practice and coaching colleagues.
• Maintain high standards, implement EYFS and nursery policies.
• As Key Person, build strong relationships with children and parents.
• Help create a stimulating, welcoming environment indoors and outdoors.
• Support the Nursery Manager with day-to-day running.

Skills

Senior practitioner

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 Early Years

Job description

Location: Chestnut Nursery, The Chestnut Centre, 2a Chestnut Street, Huddersfield, HD2 1HJ
Hours: Up to 40 hours a week - at least 30 hours a week, Permanent
Salary: £27,622 (based on 40 hours a week)
Benefits: Health cash plan, Company events, Company pension, Employee discount for childcare, On-site free parking

Start Date: As soon as possible

About Us

LS2Y Nurseries are part of the wider LS2Y organisation, delivering high-quality childcare and education in the heart of our communities.
We are nurturing, forward-thinking settings committed to the Curiosity Approach, encouraging children to explore, discover, and learn through purposeful play.

The Role

• deliver high-quality nursery care for children aged between three months and five years old, acting as a lead practitioner by modelling outstanding practice, coaching colleagues and driving continuous improvement.
• take day-to-day responsibility for maintaining high standards, ensuring consistent implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and nursery policies, and progressing agreed quality improvement actions with Nursery Management.
• as a Key Person, you will build strong relationships with a small group of children and their parents/carers, ensuring each child’s learning, development and welfare needs are met through inclusive, responsive practice.
• will help to create a stimulating, welcoming environment and guide the team to provide safe, enabling provision indoors and outdoors.
• Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery, taking charge in their absence.

Wider LS2Y Opportunities

• Health Projects: supporting the wider health and wellbeing of our families and the community LS2Y.
• Families Together: working closely in partnership with other services to ensure families access the support they need
• Community Projects: LS2Y settings are embedded in their communities, with opportunities to contribute to events, employability support and nursery projects that connect families and local partners.
• Cross-site Working: As part of a wider organisation, there are opportunities to collaborate across different LS2Y nurseries, sharing best practice and supporting organisational initiatives.

Staff Benefits

• Funded Training and Qualifications: Ongoing training and development opportunities, with encouragement to progress to higher qualifications (Level 5 and above).
• Progression Opportunities: The chance to play a key role in shaping the nursery and to progress within the wider LS2Y organisation.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Support with staff development, including coaching, mentoring, and consistency in practice.
• Reflective Supervision: Regular opportunities for reflective supervision and feedback, supporting your professional journey.
• Staff Wellbeing Support: Health cash plan, employee discounts, on-site free parking, and a supportive, welcoming team environment.

About You

• Qualified to Level 3 or above in Early Years.
• Experienced in a senior role within an early years setting.
• Passionate about the Curiosity Approach and child-led learning.
• A confident leader and communicator, able to motivate staff and build strong relationships with parents.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, EYFS, SEND, and Ofsted requirements.

What LS2Y Nurseries Offer

• A supportive and welcoming team environment.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and staff benefits.

A Job Description and Person Specification can be dowloaded with more detail on the role on the next page.

In summary: The Senior Nursery Practitioner role at LS2Y Nurseries is much more than a job — it’s an opportunity to be part of a values-driven organisation that invests in its people, supports families, and makes a positive impact in the community. If you’re passionate about early years, community engagement, and professional growth, LS2Y offers a rewarding and supportive environment.