Nursery Leader with Qualified Teacher Status or Equivalent
Location: Burmantofts Community Nursery, Leeds
Contract: Full-time, permanent (following probation period) and all year round
Salary: L1 £51,773
Annual leave: 30 days plus 8 statutory bank holidays per annum
Reports to: The Board of Trustees
Start Date: September 2026
Purpose of Role
Burmantofts Community Nursery is delighted to invite applications for the role of Nursery Leader. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced and passionate early years' teacher (QTS, EYTS, EYPS or equivalent) to lead a charitable, community-focused nursery serving children and families within a richly diverse, multicultural area of Leeds.
The Nursery Leader will play a central role in shaping high-quality early education and childcare for children aged 6 months to 4 years, while working in close partnership with families to support children's learning, wellbeing and development.
The post holder will provide strong pedagogical and operational leadership, ensuring outstanding standards of care, learning and teaching in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. This role combines strategic leadership with a significant hands‑on teaching commitment, modelling inclusive, play-based practice across the nursery.
Working collaboratively with staff, families, external professionals and the Board of Trustees will be central to ensuring statutory requirements are met and that the nursery thrives as a welcoming, inclusive setting for children and families.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide visible, inspiring leadership across the nursery, leading the strategic vision and day‑to‑day operations in line with EYFS, KCSIE and Ofsted requirements.
* Support and develop staff through effective supervision, appraisal and mentoring, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Lead an inclusive, child‑led curriculum supported by high‑quality planning, teaching and consistent assessment practices.
* Maintain approximately 50% hands‑on teaching practice, modelling outstanding early years pedagogy across all rooms.
* Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring robust safeguarding, welfare and compliance procedures are embedded throughout the setting.
* Oversee SEND provision, working closely with the SENCo and external professionals to ensure inclusive, high‑quality support for all children.
* Promote children's progress, wellbeing and readiness for the next stage of learning through reflective practice and strong educational leadership.
* Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and community organisations, enhancing engagement, outreach and the nursery's reputation.
* Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees to deliver strategic priorities, sustainability and organisational growth.
* Manage budgets, occupancy and resources effectively to ensure financial viability and long‑term success.
Person Specification
Essential
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), EYTS, EYPS or equivalent
* Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
* Proven leadership experience in an EYFS setting
* In-depth knowledge of EYFS (2025) Statutory and non‑statutory policy
* Excellent understanding of safeguarding, inclusion, and SEND provision
Safeguarding
Burmantofts Community Nursery is committed to safeguarding, promoting the welfare of children and families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history and an online search will be conducted.
Equal Opportunities
Burmantofts Community Nursery is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. All applicants will be treated fairly and appointed on merit. We value diversity and are proud to serve a diverse community. We aim to ensure that our recruitment, selection and employment practices are free from discrimination and that all staff, children and families are respected, supported and included.
All candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK, and this will be verified as part of pre‑employment checks.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
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