Nursery Lead Practitioner

Job details

Required from 13th April 2026

Have you ever dreamed of creating nursery provision from the ground up – shaping its ethos, environment and practice from day one?

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced, passionate early years professional to design, lead and grow a brand-new, school-based nursery at the heart of a thriving rural Church of England primary school.

About The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Nursery Practitioner to take full responsibility for establishing and leading our new nursery provision. This is more than a role – it’s a chance to leave a legacy.

You Will

• Create and develop nursery provision including environment, routines, curriculum and practice
• Lead on all aspects of nursery provision, ensuring the highest standards of care, learning and safeguarding
• Work collaboratively with the Headteacher and the wider school teams to ensure a seamless EYFS journey and strong transition into Reception
• Develop a warm, nurturing, and inclusive environment that reflects our Christian vision and values
• Play a key role in growing the school, strengthening our offer to families in the local rural community

Inspire and support colleagues, modelling outstanding early years practice

Who We’re Looking For

You Will Be

• An experienced early years practitioner, ideally with leadership experience
• Confident in leading practice, planning, assessment and EYFS pedagogy
• Passionate about creating rich, engaging learning environments
• Highly organised, reflective and flexible
• Excited by professional challenge and personal growth
  
  

If you are ready to take the lead, shape the future, and create something meaningful, we would love to hear from you.

Little Dewchurch is committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre-employment checks will be conducted in accordance with KCSIE. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

For more information contact

Application forms and further details are available from the school office on 01432 840645 or via email on [email protected]

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited to an interview process.

About You

About Us

Why Join Us?

• A rare leadership opportunity to design and lead nursery provision from the very beginning
• Genuine scope for professional development and future progression
• The chance to make a lasting impact on children, families and the wider community
• Supportive leadership and a collaborative staff team
• Within a wider partnership of schools, a unique opportunity to work within and across their thriving and successful Early Years settings
• A beautiful rural setting in a school at the heart of its community
• Benefits of working in a school-based nursery include: Local Government Pension Scheme; Local Authority Support Staff pay scales and progression; fully-funded training opportunities or career pathways; and protected working conditions
• The opportunity to explore a term-time only or all-year-round contract within or across the partnership of schools (to be discussed at interview)
  
  

Our Vision

This new nursery provision will play a vital role in nurturing our youngest learners and ensuring our school continues to flourish for generations to come.