Lead Early Years Practitioner

University of East Anglia - Sport and Commercial Services Division - The UEA Nursery

Placed On: 10th February 2026

Closes: 23rd February 2026

Job 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, experienced and passionate practitioner to join our busy and well-established team. You will play a key role in providing a safe, secure, exciting and stimulating environment where babies and young children can thrive.

This is an opportunity to be part of a supportive senior team that values high-quality practice, inclusion and professional development.

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

The Role

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

The role also offers the opportunity to support SENCo responsibilities within the setting, contributing to inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs alongside families and professionals.

For the right candidate, we are pleased to offer fully funded Level 3 Early Years SENCo training, providing a valuable pathway for professional development and career progression.

You will have:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in Early Years or a relevant area
• Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Experience of supervising and leading others
• Experience of working with young children in a nursery setting
• A commitment to inclusive practice and supporting children with SEND
• A willingness to undertake further training, including funded SENCo training
• Flexibility to work across the nursery age range

This full-time post is available immediately on an indefinite basis.

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.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days, can be found on our benefits page.

Closing date: 23 February 2026

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