Early Years Lead Practitioner

Required Summer Term 2023 (April)

The School

The Minors Nursery School is a thoroughly happy, caring and safe place where every child feels valued and can develop into an independent, confident individual. We provide an excellent foundation on which every child can build their future education within a caring, secure and stimulating environment.

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Lead Practitioner to join our team.

The Role

The purpose of this role is to oversee the quality of the early education for the children in the nursery and deliver effectively the group’s high educational standards. This role will focus on promoting teaching and learning to ensure that children progress in their development to achieve their full potential and become ready for school.

It is a leadership role that includes:

a) setting accurate intentions for the curriculum that has been planned for the children (intent)

b) overseeing the implementation and teaching strategies used in the classroom (implementation) and

c) measuring the impact of the curriculum to ensure children are progressing in their learning (impact)

Duties and Responsibilities

• To be accountable for the delivery of high quality inclusive early education, which is responsive to the needs of children and their families.
• To lead practice within the classroom.
• To monitor systems of assessment, recording and reporting on the progress in children’s development and learning.
• To ensure that all practitioners understand the principles and content of the Early Years Foundation Stage and know how to put them into practice.
• To work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members, providing formal and informal opportunities through which information about children’s well-being, development and learning can be shared to improve their outcomes.

Experience and Qualifications

Early Years education should be a passion of yours, and to be considered for this position the applicant must hold at least a Level 5 equivalent early years' qualification (or a commitment to obtain this). A commitment to excellence and continuous professional development is essential.

• Extensive experience of working with young children, particularly 2-5 year olds.
• Experience of leading teams in delivering high quality early education.
• Experience of working with families, identifying support and working in partnership with them to promote learning

Knowledge and Understanding

• A thorough knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and relevant current legislation.
• An up to date knowledge and understanding of safeguarding requirements and procedures.
• A good understanding of what constitutes a quality early education environment.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to design and develop early education environments and programmes and build on the children’s interests and the characteristics of effective teaching and learning.
• Good observational skills and the experience to support staff in knowing when and how best to intervene to support children’s learning, development and interactions.
• Ability to communicate with colleagues and parents effectively.

These are core aspects of the Job Description and Person Specification, a full description is attached.

The Group

The Alpha Plus Group was founded in 1931 and currently comprises independent nurseries, schools and colleges, which have developed a longstanding reputation for delivering premium quality education. Alpha Plus Group creates centres of educational excellence. Each centre retains its own identity, with the Heads and Principals afforded significant management authority, but with the benefits of financial security, camaraderie and opportunities for sharing best practice by belonging to one of the country's leading educational groups.

Safeguarding

The Minors Nursery School and the Alpha Plus Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff within Alpha Plus Group Schools and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation. All members of staff must undergo an Enhanced DBS with Barred List checks and partake in training on safeguarding.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Application Process

Please click 'Apply' to visit the Alpha Plus Careers Site and begin your application. Applications should reach the school no later than Friday 10 February, 23:59.

Interviews will take place as and when suitable applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.