Company Overview
First Steps Preschool is a nurturing nursery dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education for children aged 0-5 years. We focus on creating a safe and stimulating environment where children can thrive. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Early Years Lead Practitioner to join our team and lead a vibrant Pre-School Room. If you are dedicated to inclusive, high-quality early years education and want to make a real difference in the lives of young children, we'd love to hear from you.
Summary
As a Lead Practitioner at First Steps Preschool, you will play a vital role in leading one of our preschool teams and ensuring the delivery of exceptional care and learning experiences for our young children. This position is essential in fostering a supportive environment that promotes growth, creativity, and development.
Responsibilities
* Lead and mentor a team of practitioners to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
* Develop and implement engaging learning activities that cater to the diverse needs of children.
* Confidently delegate responsibilities to ensure a strong team approach.
* Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and best practices in childcare.
* Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers to support children's development.
* Work in close partnership with families, colleagues, and external professionals.
* Support and implement strategies for children with additional needs.
* Monitor children's progress and maintain accurate records of their achievements.
* Ensure the needs of all children are met.
What we're looking for:
* Proven experience working with children in an early years setting.
* Strong understanding of early childhood education principles and practices and inclusive practices.
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
* Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience in managing teams.
* A reflective practitioner with a commitment to ongoing professional development.
* A relevant qualification in childcare or early years education is required at level 3 or above (as listed on the DfE 'full and relevant' list).
In Return, We Offer:
* A supportive and welcoming team environment.
* Competitive rates of pay
* Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
* A setting that values inclusion and outdoor learning
* Employee discount
* Pension scheme
* 2 week nursery closure at Christmas
If you're ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children and families, we'd love to hear from you. To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter via indeed or to
Job Type: Full-time, temporary position until Spring 2026 (Jan / Feb)
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
Work Location: In person