Overview
The Senior Practitioner is responsible for the effective daily management of their designated room alongside the Room Leader, ensuring that high-quality care, safety, and education are consistently delivered in line with EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and the values of Kiddy Winks Day Nursery. The postholder supports and leads a team of practitioners, working closely with the management team to create a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive environment for all children.
Key Responsibilities1. Leadership & Team Management
* Lead, motivate, and support the room team to maintain a high standard of care and practice.
* Organise daily routines, staff deployment, and breaks to ensure appropriate ratios at all times.
* Provide guidance, coaching, and modelling of best practice to less experienced practitioners.
* Support with staff inductions, ongoing supervision, and contribute to annual appraisals.
* Promote positive teamwork and communication within the room and across the nursery.
2. Children's Care, Learning & Development
* Ensure that all children receive high-quality, age-appropriate care in line with the EYFS.
* Oversee planning and implementation of stimulating activities that support children's learning, development, and individual next steps.
* Ensure accurate and meaningful observations, assessments, and learning journals are completed.
* Promote inclusive practice, supporting children with SEND and working alongside the SENCO where needed.
* Maintain warm, responsive relationships with children, supporting their emotional wellbeing and independence.
3. Safeguarding, Welfare & Health and Safety
* Take responsibility for safeguarding within the room, following nursery policies and reporting concerns promptly.
* Ensure all staff adhere to health, safety, and hygiene procedures, including risk assessments, cleaning routines, and medication processes.
* Maintain a safe, organised, and age-appropriate learning environment.
* Ensure accurate completion of accident/incident forms and reporting procedures.
4. Parent & Carer Partnership
* Build strong, professional relationships with parents and carers.
* Communicate daily updates, progress, and concerns in a warm and approachable manner.
* Participate in parent meetings, settling-in sessions, and transitions between rooms.
* Support the nursery's reputation by modelling excellent customer service at all times.
5. Administration & Compliance
* Support with room planning, curriculum documentation, and roster organisation.
* Contribute to nursery self-evaluation and Ofsted readiness.
* Ensure daily registers, paperwork, and audits (e.g., room checks, cleaning logs, sleep charts) are completed correctly.
* Uphold all nursery policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.
Personal Qualities & Skills
* Warm, approachable, and passionate about early years care.
* Strong communication and organisational skills.
* Ability to lead by example and inspire others.
* Good knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
* Flexible, proactive, and able to remain calm under pressure.
Qualifications & Experience
* Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
* Experience working in an early years setting, ideally in a senior or key person role.
* Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, and Food Hygiene certificates (desirable).
Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Permanent
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £12.50-£13.00 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Childcare
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person