Lead Early Years Practitioner (SC4947)

Salary on appointment will be £27,628 per annum, with an annual increment up to £31,426 per annum.

Are you qualified in Early Years Practice? Would you like to work in a Nursery rated Outstanding by OFSTED?

What’s the role?

We’re looking for a professional, experienced and passionate practitioner to join our busy and well-established team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is ready to take the next step in their career to be part of a supportive senior team that values high-quality practice, inclusion and professional development.

As a Lead Practitioner, you’ll be a positive role model for outstanding Early Years practice, helping to create a nurturing, stimulating, well-organised and safe environment where babies and young children can thrive.

Working closely with the leadership team, you’ll play an important role in supporting the operational flow of the nursery whilst maintaining the highest standards of care, learning and wellbeing.

Come and meet the team!

We are holding an Open Evening on Friday 27 March 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm where you can pop along to meet the team, see the nursery setting and chat to us about our opportunities.

To register your interest in attending, please email staff.recruitment@uea.ac.uk

Development opportunities

We are committed to investing in our staff and offer opportunities for professional development, including leadership development and SENCo training for the right candidate who wishes to further develop their expertise in supporting inclusive practice.

You will have: 

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in Early Years
• Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Experience of supervising and leading others
• Experience of working with young children in a nursery setting
• A commitment to inclusive practice and supporting children with SEND
• A willingness to undertake further training, including funded SENCo training
• Flexibility to work across the nursery age range

This full-time post is part of the senior nursery team, working 37.5 hours per week, year-round and is offered on an indefinite basis.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointment will be subject to a criminal record check at Enhanced level from the Disclosure and Barring Service, including a check of the Child Barred List. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. 

Further information on our great benefits package, including 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days, can be found on our benefits page.

Closing date: 7 April 2026 

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

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