Salary: Band 5 £28,598 – £31,537 pro rata (actual £25,308 – £27,908) 
Hours: 37 hours per week, term time plus 10 additional days
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 9am Wednesday 1st July

Are you ready for an exciting new challenge?

Would you like to join the dedicated and passionate Early Years team at NCEA Trust?

We are seeking a committed, experienced, and inspiring Early Years professional to join our team as an Early Years Lead Practitioner within our 2-Year-Old and 30-Hour Nursery provision at James Knott Primary School.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner who is passionate about delivering outstanding early years education and care. We are looking for someone with experience working with children aged 2–4 years, who can provide strong leadership, support colleagues, and help drive high standards of interactions, learning, and care across the provision.

As an Early Years Lead Practitioner, you will play a key role in creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive. Working alongside the wider Early Years team, you will help to ensure that every child receives high quality learning experiences tailored to their individual interests, needs, and stages of development.

This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring a practitioner who leads by example and is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for both children and staff.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

  • Holds a full and relevant Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above.
  • Has experience working with children aged 2–4 years within an Early Years setting.
  • Has experience of leading an area of practice, supporting colleagues, or undertaking supervisory/management responsibilities.
  • Has a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and child development.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Is innovative, enthusiastic, and committed to continuous improvement.
  • Can work effectively as part of a team and build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
  • Is passionate about providing exceptional care and learning opportunities for every child.

What Do We Offer?

  • An excellent pension scheme with a generous employer contribution from the Trust.
  • 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Programme, providing confidential wellbeing and support services.
  • Comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support for all staff through Dittolo.
  • Access to The Nest, our childcare provision in Ashington and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, offering both paid and free 30-hour places for eligible families.
  • Gym membership discounts, with reduced rates at Sculpt Ashington and Places Leisure.
  • Eligibility for a Blue Light Card, giving Trust staff exclusive discounts at major retailers including Apple, JD Sports and TUI.
  • Cycle to work scheme 

If you feel as though you could help contribute to the fun and inclusive environment at James Knott Primary School, we would love to hear from you!

Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

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Download Job Description and Person Specification

Recruitment Pack

Equal Opportunities Form
Safer Recruitment Policy
Equality and Diversity Statement