Early Years Lead

Early Years Lead – Junior Adventures Group

Job Title: Early Years Lead
Organisation: Junior Adventures Group
Location: Belmont Infant & Junior Schools, Rusper Road, London, N22 6RA
Hours: Monday to Friday, 15:30–18:00
Contract: 12.5 hours per week
Pay Rate: £14 per hour

About the Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring and experienced Early Years Lead to join our team at Junior Adventures Group.

The Early Years Lead will play an important role in supporting the care, development and wellbeing of children within our early years provision. You will help create a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment where children can learn, develop and have fun through play and engaging activities.

You will work closely with the club team, parents/carers and school staff to ensure that children receive high-quality care and that their individual needs are supported. You will also help ensure that the provision operates in line with safeguarding, health and safety and Junior Adventures Group policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the delivery of high-quality early years provision.
• Create a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment for young children.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that support children's learning and development.
• Encourage learning through play, creativity, exploration and physical activity.
• Support children's individual development, interests and needs.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with children, parents/carers and colleagues.
• Promote children's independence, confidence and social development.
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding and child protection are maintained at all times.
• Follow all relevant health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records, registers and relevant documentation.
• Monitor children's wellbeing and development and communicate any concerns appropriately.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure consistency of care and practice.
• Support and mentor other team members working within the early years provision.
• Ensure the environment and resources are clean, safe, organised and suitable for young children.
• Communicate effectively with parents/carers regarding their child's day-to-day experience.
• Work closely with the Club Manager and General Manager and report any concerns or issues.
• Support with the planning and delivery of holiday activities where required.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about working with young children and supporting their development.
• Caring, patient and approachable.
• Confident in leading and supporting an early years team.
• Organised and able to manage multiple responsibilities.
• A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Creative and able to provide engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Able to build positive relationships with children, parents/carers and colleagues.
• Calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations.
• Reliable, responsible and proactive.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Able to recognise and respond appropriately to children's individual needs.

What We Offer

• A rewarding role supporting the development and wellbeing of young children.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• A supportive management and team environment.
• Opportunities to develop leadership and early years skills.
• The chance to make a positive difference to children's early experiences.
• Opportunities to contribute to a successful, engaging and inclusive early years environment.

Junior Adventures Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Qualifications

Experience & Qualifications

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare or Early Years is required.
• Previous experience working with children in an early years setting is essential.
• Experience within nursery, childcare, early years or education is desirable.
• Previous experience leading or supporting an early years team is advantageous.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is desirable.
• A willingness to complete all required training and safeguarding checks is essential.