Job Description
Location: Chestnut Nursery, The Chestnut Centre, 2a Chestnut Street, Huddersfield, HD2 1HJHours: Up to 40 hours a week - at least 30 hours a week, PermanentSalary: £27,622 (based on 40 hours a week)Benefits: Health cash plan, Company events, Company pension, Employee discount for childcare, On-site free parkingStart Date: As soon as possibleAbout UsLS2Y 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.We are seeking a motivated, organised, and experienced Deputy Manager to support the Nursery Manager and lead our team to deliver the very best standards of care and education.The RoleAs a Senior Practitioner, you will:
* 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 OpportunitiesThe role provides the opportunity to contribute to our wider work such as:
* 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 BenefitsLS2Y Nurseries offer a comprehensive package of staff benefits designed to support your professional growth and wellbeing:
* 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 YouWe are looking for someone who is:
* 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.
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.A Job Description and Person Specification can be dowloaded with more detail on the role. Please apply with your CV and a short covering note explaining why you would be the perfect fit for this role.REF-227 955