Overview
The Senior Practitioner is responsible for the effective daily management of their designated room alongside the Room Leader, ensuring that high-quality care, safety, and education are consistently delivered in line with EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and the values of Kiddy Winks Day Nursery. The postholder supports and leads a team of practitioners, working closely with the management team to create a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive environment for all children.
Key Responsibilities1. Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, motivate, and support the room team to maintain a high standard of care and practice.
- Organise daily routines, staff deployment, and breaks to ensure appropriate ratios at all times.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and modelling of best practice to less experienced practitioners.
- Support with staff inductions, ongoing supervision, and contribute to annual appraisals.
- Promote positive teamwork and communication within the room and across the nursery.
2. Children’s Care, Learning & Development
- Ensure that all children receive high-quality, age-appropriate care in line with the EYFS.
- Oversee planning and implementation of stimulating activities that support children’s learning, development, and individual next steps.
- Ensure accurate and meaningful observations, assessments, and learning journals are completed.
- Promote inclusive practice, supporting children with SEND and working alongside the SENCO where needed.
- Maintain warm, responsive relationships with children, supporting their emotional wellbeing and independence.
3. Safeguarding, Welfare & Health and Safety
- Take responsibility for safeguarding within the room, following nursery policies and reporting concerns promptly.
- Ensure all staff adhere to health, safety, and hygiene procedures, including risk assessments, cleaning routines, and medication processes.
- Maintain a safe, organised, and age-appropriate learning environment.
- Ensure accurate completion of accident/incident forms and reporting procedures.
4. Parent & Carer Partnership
- Build strong, professional relationships with parents and carers.
- Communicate daily updates, progress, and concerns in a warm and approachable manner.
- Participate in parent meetings, settling-in sessions, and transitions between rooms.
- Support the nursery’s reputation by modelling excellent customer service at all times.
5. Administration & Compliance
- Support with room planning, curriculum documentation, and roster organisation.
- Contribute to nursery self-evaluation and Ofsted readiness.
- Ensure daily registers, paperwork, and audits (e.g., room checks, cleaning logs, sleep charts) are completed correctly.
- Uphold all nursery policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.
Personal Qualities & Skills
- Warm, approachable, and passionate about early years care.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to lead by example and inspire others.
- Good knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
- Flexible, proactive, and able to remain calm under pressure.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
- Experience working in an early years setting, ideally in a senior or key person role.
- Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, and Food Hygiene certificates (desirable).
Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Permanent
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: Up to £13.30 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
