27 Jul Nursery Lead – Ide Primary School
Nursery Lead – Ide Primary School
Grade E, dependent on experience (salary range for candidates interested in full-time position of 44 hours per week £31,215 – £34,469)
Permanent, Term-time only
Flexible hours and working arrangements available
Closing Date: 28th August 2026
Interview Date: 9th September 2026
Job Advert (pdf) | Job Description (pdf) | Application Form (pdf)
The foundations built in the early years can shape a lifetime of learning…
Before children learn to read, write or calculate, they learn something even more important.
- They learn whether school is a place where they feel safe.
- Whether they are valued.
- Whether their ideas matter.
- Whether they are capable of trying something new.
The early years are filled with remarkable moments. A child speaking with confidence for the first time. A friendship beginning. A problem solved independently. A growing sense of curiosity about the world around them.
These moments become the building blocks for future success, and they happen because of exceptional early years professionals.
Professionals who understand that learning through play is powerful. Who know that relationships come before results. Who create environments where children feel secure enough to explore, discover and thrive. Professionals who see the potential in every child and help them believe in it too.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
We are looking for someone who:
- believes every child deserves the very best start in life and can thrive and succeed
- holds a relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above, and may be a Qualified Teacher (QTS), Early Years Teacher (EYTS), Nursery Manager, Nursery Leader, Room Leader, Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Teaching Assistant or another suitably qualified and experienced early years professional
- is passionate about early years education and giving children the very best start in life
- creates nurturing, engaging environments where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn
- understands how young children learn and develop, and has high expectations for their learning, wellbeing and behaviour
- builds positive, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues
- values inclusion, safeguarding and meeting the needs of all children, including those with SEND
- reflective, collaborative and brings warmth, energy and enthusiasm to their work every day
In this role, you will:
- lead and develop our nursery provision
- create an engaging, play-based learning environment where children can flourish
- deliver a high-quality EYFS curriculum
- build strong foundations in language, communication, phonics and early mathematics
- monitor children’s development and plan meaningful next steps
- work closely with families to support children’s learning and wellbeing
- support children as they prepare for a successful transition into Reception
- ensure high standards of safeguarding and compliance with statutory requirements
- contribute to aspects of extended school provision, including breakfast club and after-school provision, with arrangements agreed flexibly wherever possible
A unique and flexible opportunity
We know that talented early years professionals come from a wide range of backgrounds and that flexibility can make all the difference.
That’s why we’ve designed this role differently.
We are open to applications from candidates seeking full-time, part-time, job-share or shared leadership arrangements. Whether you are looking for a traditional leadership role or would benefit from a more flexible working pattern, we’d love to have a conversation.
Our nursery operates across the full school day (8am – 5.30pm) and, for the right candidate or candidates, we are open to exploring arrangements including:
- one Nursery Leader working across the full provision
- a shared leadership model with two professionals dividing responsibility across morning and afternoon sessions
- flexible working arrangements that support both the needs of the nursery and individual circumstances
We believe that great leadership can take many forms and are committed to finding the arrangement that enables both our children and our staff to thrive.
About Ide Primary School
Ide Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school at the heart of its community. We are committed to ensuring that every child receives the very best start in life and develops a lifelong love of learning.
Our nursery plays a vital role in this journey, providing children with enriching experiences that support their development academically, socially and emotionally.
As part of Exeter Learning Academy Trust, we benefit from a collaborative network of schools that share a commitment to excellence, inclusion and continuous improvement. Together, we work to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to flourish.
Why join Ide Primary School?
Because the early years matter.
This is an opportunity to shape and develop a nursery provision that has the potential to make a lasting difference to children’s lives.
You’ll be joining a school community where children are known as individuals, where relationships are valued and where staff are supported to grow professionally.
A school where curiosity is encouraged, inclusion is celebrated and wellbeing matters.
A school where your ideas, expertise and leadership can have a genuine impact.
Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to help children develop the confidence, resilience and love of learning that will stay with them throughout their educational journey.
If you are passionate about early years education, believe in the transformative power of exceptional provision and want to make a meaningful difference to children’s lives, we would love to hear from you.
To apply please complete our application form and return it to hr@elatschools.com.
Closing Date: 28th August 2026
Interview Date: 9th September 2026
Safeguarding Information
We are a people-focused organisation with strong principles of enabling every child and adult within our Trust to thrive. We have high aspirations for all our children, regardless of their starting point, and in turn, expect our staff to have high aspirations of themselves. We believe that our strength lies in working together and using our collective skills and expertise to benefit the children in our schools.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We encourage you to read our Safeguarding Policy before applying. We will ask for references and conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role also requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Our Safeguarding policy can be accessed via the link below.
VIEW NOW
