The Lead Practitioner is a key member of our nursery leadership team, with a prime focus on supporting children across the setting who have any form of additional need or vulnerability. The job holder will be expected to observe children and, alongside keypersons, identify children in need of additional support, develop individual education plans, make onward referrals, and support and coach nursery teams to embed high standards of care to meet identified needs. As part of the leadership team, the Lead Practitioner will also contribute towards the wider nursery improvement plan, coach and develop staff and on occasions deputise in the absence of the Nursery Manager. This post is primarily supernumerary with an expectation that the majority of time will be spent working directly with staff and children, in rooms and the garden.

• Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3, relevant experience and willingness to train
• Experience of implementing improvements in an early years setting, including demonstrating best practice, coaching staff, setting objectives, and keeping records
• Experience and understanding of child development, behaviour management, SENCO and identified groups of children
• Good knowledge of matters relating to health and safety
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding good practice
• Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to train
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (level 3 or above) or willingness to train
Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.


• Joining Bonus! Total of £500
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• Employer pension
• 25 days holiday, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per year)
• Celebration leave
• 50% discount on nursery fees
• Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
• Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
• Wellbeing assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Good quality resources and a modern environment
• A welcoming, caring and supportive culture
The YMCA are huge advocates of personal and professional development. When you work with us, you also benefit from:
• Access to 26 online professional development modules
• Attain additional qualifications such as SENCO, Forest School qualification
• Inspiring opportunities to work in different settings and share practice