Sport and Commercial Services Division
The UEA Nursery
Lead Early Years Practitioner
Ref: SC5037
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?
What’s the role?
We’re looking for a professional, experienced and passionate practitioner to join our busy and well-established team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is ready to take the next step in their career to be part of a supportive senior team that values high-quality practice, inclusion and professional development.
As a Lead Practitioner, you’ll be a positive role model for outstanding Early Years practice, helping to create a nurturing, stimulating, well-organised and safe environment where babies and young children can thrive.
Working closely with the leadership team, you’ll play an important role in supporting the operational flow of the nursery whilst maintaining the highest standards of care, learning and wellbeing.
Development opportunities
We are committed to investing in our staff and offer opportunities for professional development, including leadership development for the right candidate who wishes to further develop their expertise in supporting inclusive practice.
You will have:
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in Early Years
- 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
- Flexibility to work across the nursery age range
This full-time, indefinite post is available from 7 September 2026.
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.
Benefits include:
- 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days.
- Family and Work-life balance policies including 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: 16 August 2026
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.