Lead Early Years Practitioner

Job Overview

Free Spirits is a busy 88 place Nursery, graded Outstanding by Ofsted. The Nursery caters for children 6 months to Pre‑School and is located within the grounds of the Freeman Hospital. A vacancy has arisen for a full‑time member of staff to join our Outstanding team.

We are looking for a passionate and energetic individual with a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and child development. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about working with children, supporting their learning and development, using their own initiative and keeping knowledge current. They should be able to plan varied and stimulating activities that challenge children’s learning and development.

• Interview Date: 25 March 2026
• 37 hours 30 minutes / week & 18 hours 45 minutes / week
• You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying.

We do not accept applications from agencies.

• Work as part of a team, use own initiative, be actively involved in Nursery routines and oversee the room as a whole.
• Implement Nursery and Trust Policies and Procedures, under the direction of the Nursery Managers.
• Care and supervise children aged 0-5 years, under the general direction of the Senior Staff and Nursery Managers.
• Plan and implement a structured, stimulating environment through play, following a curriculum that encourages all areas of development as required by OFSTED.
• Supervise Early Years Practitioners and students, helping them develop within their role.

We are a flexible‑working friendly organisation and are willing to discuss arrangements that best suit both the service and you.

We deliver care across a range of flagship services:

• Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
• Freeman Hospital
• Newcastle Dental Hospital
• Cramlington Manor Walks
• Urgent treatment centres
• Newcastle Fertility Centre
• Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
• Northern Genetics Service

A minimum of NVQ level 3 in childcare is essential; NVQ level 4 is desirable.

Ensure your qualification is relevant before applying. Check on Check an early years qualification - .

• Care and supervise children aged 0-5 years, under the general direction of Senior Staff and Nursery Managers.
• Plan and implement a structured, stimulating environment through play, following a curriculum that encourages all areas of development as required by OFSTED.
• Supervise Early Years Practitioners and students, helping them develop within their role.
• Settle new children, working closely with parents/carers and senior staff throughout the induction period.
• Work alongside external professional bodies on a regular basis.

• NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent.

• NVQ Level 4
• Paediatric First Aid

• Sound knowledge of child development
• Good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Welfare requirements
• Legislation/Policies & Procedures
• Working as part of a team
• Observation, Planning and Assessment
• Child development

• Good knowledge of Nursery and Trust Policies and Procedures
• Health and safety
• Safeguarding
• SEND
• Experience in a day‑care setting

• Highly motivated, enthusiastic with good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate with others.
• Ability to lead and give direction.
• Ability to work with others.
• Good interpersonal skills.

• Highly motivated and have a flexible working approach.
• Ability to work in collaboration with colleagues and as an individual.
• Provide and maintain high‑quality childcare within the Nursery.