Lead Early Years Practitioner

City College Norwich; Norwich; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Norwich seeks a Lead Early Years Practitioner to manage a safe and stimulating environment for children under 3. This full-time position requires an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and prior supervisory experience. The role offers competitive salary, generous annual leave, and various benefits, with a commitment to safeguarding children's welfare.

Benefits

34 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Health and Wellbeing programs

Campus facilities access

Personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified in Early Years Practice with an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• Experience in supervising and leading teams.
• Experience working with children in a nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and stimulating environment for under 3’s.
• Work full-time as part of the senior nursery team.

Skills

Supervising and leading others

Working with young children

Knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage

Flexible working

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Early Years or equivalent

Job description

Sport and Commercial Services Division

Lead Early Years Practitioner Ref: SC4896

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?

We’re looking for a professional and experienced person to join our busy and well-established team to provide a safe, secure, exciting and stimulating environment for the babies and children in our Nursery.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect our staff, students and volunteers to share this commitment.

Responsibilities and Eligibility

• An NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent qualification) in the Early Years or a relevant area
• Knowledge and training in the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Experience of supervising and leading others
• Experience of working with young children in a nursery setting
• A willingness to undertake training and work flexibly across the nursery age range

This post is part of the senior nursery team working 37.5 hours per week year-round. You will work with the under 3’s age range.

This full‑time post is available from 5 January 2026 on an indefinite basis.

Benefits include:

• 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days.
• Family and Work‑life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
• Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
• Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on‑campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
• Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
• Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.

Closing date: 4 December 2025

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

On‑site

Hours

37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday

How to apply

Special requirements

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.