Lead Practitioner

Help shape young lives and lead inclusive practice with the YMCA!

At the YMCA Fairthorne Group, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their starting point or individual needs. Our approach to early years education is centred around nurturing each child's unique potential, creating environments where all children feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

We're looking for a passionate and experienced Lead Practitioner to join our nursery leadership team and champion inclusive practice across our setting.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is committed to supporting children with additional needs and vulnerabilities, while coaching and developing colleagues to deliver exceptional care and learning experiences. If you're passionate about making a meaningful difference in children's lives and helping teams grow in confidence and expertise, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Receive

• 100% discount on childcare
• £500 Joining Bonus
• Early Years Financial Incentive Scheme – eligible new or returning staff may receive a £1,000 payment funded by the Department for Education
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Health Cash Plan – including medical, dental and online retail discounts
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), increasing with service up to 30 days
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave each year
• Celebration Leave for life's special moments
• Enhanced maternity benefits
• Employer pension scheme
• Flexible working opportunities
• Career development and progression pathways
• YMCA Day Camps discounts – one week free and one week at 50% discount per child each year
• Discounts on YMCA family activities, holidays and campsite facilities
• 30% discount in YMCA cafe?s
• Employee Wellbeing Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• High-quality resources and modern learning environments
• A welcoming, caring and supportive team culture

About The Role

As a Lead Practitioner, you will play a key role in ensuring every child receives the support they need to achieve their full potential.

Working as part of the nursery leadership team, your primary focus will be identifying, supporting, and advocating for children with additional needs, vulnerabilities, or emerging developmental concerns. You'll work closely with key persons, families, external professionals, and colleagues to create personalised support plans that enable children to thrive.

This is a predominantly supernumerary role, meaning much of your time will be spent observing children, coaching staff, supporting practice in rooms and outdoor environments, and driving inclusive approaches across the nursery.

You'll also contribute to wider nursery improvement initiatives, support staff development, and occasionally deputise for the Nursery Manager when required.

What You'll Be Doing

In this rewarding role, you will:

• Observe and assess children's development to identify emerging needs and areas requiring additional support.
• Work alongside key persons to develop, implement and review individual education and support plans.
• Support referrals and liaise with families, external agencies, and specialist professionals where appropriate.
• Champion inclusive practice across the nursery and help ensure every child can access learning opportunities.
• Coach, mentor and support colleagues to develop confidence and expertise in meeting diverse needs.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing through nurturing and child-centred approaches.
• Monitor progress and maintain accurate records to support children's development.
• Contribute to nursery improvement plans and continuous quality enhancement.
• Support safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing procedures across the setting.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager when required.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is passionate about inclusion, child development, and supporting teams to deliver outstanding practice.

Ideally, you will have:

• A Level 5 Childcare qualification, or a Level 3 qualification with relevant experience and a willingness to undertake further training.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs, vulnerabilities, or SEND within an Early Years setting.
• Experience implementing improvements, demonstrating best practice, coaching colleagues, and monitoring outcomes.
• A strong understanding of child development, behaviour management, and inclusive practice.
• Knowledge of SENCO responsibilities and supporting identified groups of children.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements within an Early Years environment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead qualification (Level 3 or above) or willingness to undertake training.

Grow Your Career With The YMCA

At the YMCA, we're passionate about investing in our people. We actively support personal and professional development and provide opportunities for you to grow throughout your career.

As part of our commitment to your development, you'll benefit from:

• Access to professional development and leadership training opportunities
• Ongoing support, mentoring, and coaching
• Opportunities to work collaboratively across YMCA settings and share best practice
• Career progression pathways within a large and supportive organisation

 We'd Love To Hear From You

If you're passionate about making a positive difference for children and families and want to help create inclusive environments where every child can thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed above, we encourage you to apply. We recognise that great practitioners come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and we're committed to supporting talented individuals to develop and succeed.

Join the YMCA and help us nurture futures, support families, and create opportunities for every child to flourish.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

YMCA is an equal opportunities charity committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and able to thrive.