Nursery Lead - Full-time

Eastchurch CEP School, Sheerness

• Ref:KCC886-3106-284S
• Posted:22/01/2026
• Pay:Salary dependent upon experience and qualification
• Start Date:Immediate
• App Close Date:12/02/2026 at 17:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Inspire. Nurture. Lead.

At Eastchurch Church of England Primary School, part of the Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust, we are seeking a passionate and experienced Nursery Lead to lead our thriving early years provision.

Our vision — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) — shapes everything we do. If you are dedicated to high‑quality early years education and want to make a lasting difference for young children and their families, we would love to hear from you.

What You Will Do

As our Nursery Lead, you will:

• Lead the delivery of high‑quality education, learning and care for early years children.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, supervision and mentoring for nursery staff.
• Plan and oversee engaging weekly learning activities and enrichment events.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and the wider community.
• Manage the key person system, nurturing positive relationships with children and families.
• Oversee observations, assessment and record keeping, ensuring progress is monitored effectively.
• Act as the Early Years SENCO, working with professionals and school SEND team to support children with SEND.
• Lead on health, safety and safeguarding, acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for early years.
• Manage resources, budgets, staff deployment and performance management processes.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

• Has outstanding knowledge of early years practice, regulation, safeguarding and child development.
• QTS status desirable
• Is an inspiring and supportive leader who brings out the best in their team.
• Communicates confidently with children, families and professionals.
• Is organised, reflective and committed to continuous improvement.
• Brings enthusiasm, creativity and a genuine passion for early years education.

Why Join Us?

• A positive, nurturing school environment rooted in Christian values
• Supportive leadership and trust‑wide collaboration
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• The chance to shape a high‑quality nursery provision and influence early childhood experiences

Visits to the school are strongly encouraged and you will also find a wealth of information about our school on our website https://www.eastchurch.kent.sch.uk/

Please contact the school office to arrange a visit or an informal conversation on 01795 880279 or email office@eastchurch.school We look forward to meeting you.

We encourage early applications and reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. All applications to be made via Kent-Teach

Information about the school

Eastchurch Primary School is a nurturing, inclusive, learning community that celebrates all possibilities. Through a journey of faith and exploration, we strive to enable all to grow as resilient life-long learners who value themselves and others. Rooted in God's love and our Christian values, we are a nurturing, inclusive community where all can flourish and achieve their full potential. Our vision flows from our biblical strapline taken from Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Together with our vision our core values of courage, forgiveness, honesty, kindness, love and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

As a single form entry school in a village location, we aim to offer a family friendly and unique experience for staff and families. Our school has a well established Christian ethos and our staff team work together to ensure our children experience success and excitement in their learning every day. We are a member of Aquila, The Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust (www.aquilatrust.co.uk).

We are proud of our ECO status and take an active role in the environment and community life. We value outdoor learning.

Eastchurch Church of England Primary School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Criminal Record Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service along with other relevant employment checks, online recruitment checks and overseas criminal background checks, where applicable. All new trustees, employees and volunteers will be required to undertake safeguarding training on induction which will be regularly updated in line with statutory guidance.

Please be aware that references will be taken up prior to short listing. We reserve the right to interview before the closing date.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Sarah Bone
• Address:Warden Road, Eastchurch, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 4EJ
• Telephone: 01795 880279
• Email: headteacher@eastchurch.school

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description