What skills and experience we're looking for
River Mead School is seeking to appoint a dynamic and highly motivated Early Years Lead Practitioner within their Resource Base. As a member of staff within our Trust, you will contribute to a collaborative working environment and play a key role in supporting the learning and development of all pupils.
The Early Years Lead Practitioner (Resource Base) is responsible for planning and delivering high-quality EYFS provision that meets the diverse needs of all children, including those with special educational needs, while creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment. They develop and prepare resources, assess and monitor children’s progress, and adapt teaching approaches to support a wide range of developmental, behavioural, and learning needs.
The role includes promoting children’s independence, self-esteem, and wellbeing through strong pastoral support and, where required, providing personal care and targeted interventions such as speech and language activities. Practitioners work collaboratively with teaching assistants, parents, and external professionals to ensure coordinated support and positive outcomes for every child.
They contribute to the wider life of the school by maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well‑organised environment, adhering to safeguarding, health and safety, and school policies. The postholder also leads and supports staff, manages resources effectively, and promotes teamwork across the setting. They uphold high professional standards, engage in continuous professional development, and remain up to date with relevant educational practices and statutory guidance.
What the school offers its staff
River Mead School is a single entry primary and nursery school with an average number of children on roll of 250. 37 of these children are educated within the Complex Needs Resource Base, and 34 are in the nursery. The proportion of children living with disadvantage and eligible for pupil premium funding is well above the national average, as is the proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school is at the heart of its community and takes the pastoral care of its children and families as seriously as it is their educational needs.
We pride ourselves on our comprehensive induction process and delivering ongoing professional development to all of our staff. We will give full training to the right person, as we believe strongly that it’s much more about attitude and approach than it is about experience. As a result, we welcome applications from people who are passionate about working with children, no matter what their background is.
Commitment to safeguarding
This role involves contact with children. The post-holder will be engaged in regulated activity relevant to children and subject to an Enhanced DBS check before appointment is confirmed. We submit DBS applications upon position acceptance. We follow Safer Recruitment procedures. Interviews include safeguarding questions. Our Safeguarding Policy is on our website. Posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Amendments to the Exception Order 1975 (2013/2020) provide certain spent convictions/cautions are ‘protected’. These are not subject to disclosure and cannot be taken into account. Guidance is on the Ministry of Justice website.
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