Nursery Lead

We are seeking an enthusiastic, caring and experienced Teacher to lead our nursery provision and create a nurturing, stimulating environment where every child can thrive. Working as part of a dedicated team, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality early years education, supporting children's development and wellbeing, and building strong relationships with families.

Salary: £35,602.00 - £48,479.00 Annually (Actual) GST Salary Grading M1 - M12 depending on experience.

Closing Date: Midday, Saturday 31st October, 2026

Start Date: 01/01/2027

As Nursery Lead, you will play a key role in shaping and developing our nursery curriculum, ensuring that learning opportunities are engaging, inclusive and tailored to meet the needs of all children. You will lead by example, championing excellent teaching and learning, promoting high standards of care and safeguarding, and fostering a positive and welcoming environment for children, families and staff.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with colleagues across the school to ensure a smooth transition into Reception, helping children to develop the confidence, independence and skills they need for future learning. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate early years professional who is committed to providing the very best start in education and who is keen to contribute to the continued success and development of our nursery provision.

Main Purpose of the Role

• Lead and manage the school-led nursery, ensuring the highest standards of early years education and care
• As part of the Early Years Team, Develop, implement, and monitor a high-quality early years curriculum in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
• Manage and support nursery staff, promoting professional development and a collaborative team culture
• Oversee safeguarding and child protection in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and school policy
• Foster strong relationships with parents and carers, ensuring effective communication and engagement
• Co-ordinate nursery admissions, maintaining accurate records and supporting smooth transitions
• Liaise with school leadership to ensure alignment of nursery provision with whole school priorities
• Ensure readiness for OFSTED inspections and support continuous improvement
• Provide support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), working in partnership with external agencies
• Promote and model high-quality pedagogy and inclusive practice
• Build effective partnerships with the local community, other early years settings, and relevant agencies

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and assess an engaging and ambitious curriculum tailored to the needs of nursery-aged children
• Lead, mentor, and appraise nursery staff, identifying training needs and supporting professional development
• Ensure robust safeguarding procedures and maintain a culture of vigilance
• Build positive relationships with parents, providing regular updates on children’s progress and wellbeing
• Coordinate nursery admissions, induction, and transitions
• Work alongside the Headteacher and SLT to monitor and evaluate nursery provision
• Prepare for and participate in OFSTED inspections, implementing recommendations for improvementIdentify and support children with SEN, working closely with the school SENDCo
• Maintain high expectations for all children and promote a love of learning
• Collaborate with external partners to enhance nursery provision and support children’s development

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Evidence of continued professional development in Early Years education

Experience

• Successful teaching experience in Early Years (nursery or reception)
• Experience of leading or managing an early years setting or team
• Experience of planning and delivering the EYFS curriculum
• Proven track record of safeguarding and SEN support

Skills and knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of the EYFS and effective early years pedagogy
• Strong understanding of safeguarding requirements and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team
• Sound knowledge of SEND practice and inclusive approaches
• Effective organisational and record-keeping skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, staff, parents, and external partners
• Confident in preparing for and participating in OFSTED inspections

Personal qualities

• High expectations for all children and staff
• Commitment to upholding and promoting the ethos and values of The Holme CofE Primary School
• Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a team
• Integrity, honesty, and a commitment to safeguarding and equality
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and reflective practitioner

Safeguarding Statement

The Good Shepherd Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Good Shepherd Trust ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

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