Early Years Lead Practitioner

About the role

Wetherby Pembridge Minors is a well-established nursery school offering preschool education, with children often progressing to other Inspired schools in the group. The Early Years Lead Practitioner leads practice in the classroom and oversees the quality of early education, helping children progress in their development and become ready for school. The role covers intent, implementation and impact of the curriculum, and is open to applications on a rolling basis.

Key responsibilities

• Be accountable for high-quality, inclusive early education that responds to the needs of children and their families.
• Lead practice within the classroom and set accurate curriculum intentions, oversee classroom teaching strategies and measure curriculum impact.
• Monitor assessment, recording and reporting on children's progress in development and learning.
• Ensure practitioners understand the Early Years Foundation Stage and have high expectations for all children.
• Maintain compliance with legislative requirements, including Safeguarding and Welfare, Health and Safety and Learning and Development.
• Contribute to a multi-professional team and coordinate agreed programmes and interventions on a day-to-day basis.
• Carry out termly observations of practice and report findings to the Head.

Required profile

• EYTS or a graduate early years qualification; for QTS holders, it should be specific to the foundation stage.
• Extensive experience working with young children, particularly 2-5-year-olds.
• Experience leading teams in delivering high-quality early education.
• Up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding requirements and procedures.
• Ability to assess children's learning and development accurately and plan next steps.
• Commitment to inclusive, non-discriminatory practice with children, families, colleagues and the community.

Required skills

• Design and develop early education environments and programmes based on children's interests.
• Vary and structure the curriculum according to children's needs.
• Good observational skills and the experience to support staff in intervening appropriately.
• Effective communication with colleagues and parents.

To apply, candidates complete the Inspired application form and submit it with their CV through the Inspired careers site.