Job Overview: After-School Nursery Practitioner (Term-Time)

Leeds Mencap, a respected local charitable organization, is seeking a dedicated After-School Nursery Practitioner for their club in Leeds. This role is specifically designed to support children aged 4–11 during the crucial transition from the school day to home, providing a safe, positive, and developmental environment.

As a practitioner for a charitable body, you are more than a supervisor; you are a facilitator of inclusive play and social growth, ensuring that every child—regardless of their background or ability—feels valued and supported.

Key Responsibilities & After-School Support

Engagement & Development

Inclusive Play: Organize and lead age-appropriate activities for a diverse group of children (Primary school age), fostering social interaction and creativity.
Safety & Well-being: Maintain a high standard of physical and emotional safety, ensuring a “positive environment” where children can unwind after the school day.
Developmental Support: Identify and support individual developmental needs, aligning with Leeds Mencap’s mission to provide high-quality community care.

Operational Coordination

Term-Time Consistency: Provide reliable support during the 15-hour weekly schedule, maintaining a steady routine for the children.
Team Collaboration: Work effectively within the After School Club team to deliver a seamless experience for children and parents.
Professional Growth: Engage with the professional development opportunities offered by the organization to enhance your childcare skills.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Criteria

Education: Must hold a Level 3 Qualification (or higher) in childcare or a related field.
Experience: Proven history of working with children, ideally within the 4–11 age bracket.
Values: A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, in line with Leeds Mencap’s organizational values.

Candidate Profile

Reliability: Ability to commit to the specific 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM time slot throughout the school term.
Disposition: Patient, nurturing, and enthusiastic about working in a community-focused, charitable setting.

Compensation & Schedule

Hours: 15 hours per week (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday).
Contract: Term-Time Only (ideal for those seeking work-life balance or supplemental income).
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom.
Employer: Leeds Mencap (Charitable Organization).
Benefits: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.

The “After-School Transition” Loop

Success in an after-school setting is built on a cycle that allows children to transition from the structure of the classroom to a more relaxed, community-focused environment.

By mastering the “Creative Play” phase, you provide the children with the autonomy they need after a structured school day, while still ensuring they are learning and developing in a safe space.

How to Apply

To apply for this role (ID: J-18808-Ljbffr), submit your application through the Leeds Mencap recruitment portal or the platform where the job was listed. Leeds Mencap encourages applications from all sections of the community.

The Organization & Culture

In 2026, Leeds Mencap remains a cornerstone of the West Yorkshire third sector, operating as a completely independent charity affiliated with the national Royal Mencap Society. Its culture is defined by “Radical Inclusion and Local Empowerment.” While the national body sets a broad strategic tone, Leeds Mencap is celebrated for its “hyper-local” soul—it is an organization created by Leeds families, for Leeds families. The workplace environment is described as “vibrant, clean, and collaborative,” where staff and volunteers are treated as “playful experts.” The culture emphasizes a “Person-Centered” approach, ensuring that every child and young person is seen as an individual with unique potential rather than a set of needs.

The Leeds Presence: The Vinery Centre Hub

Operating from its purpose-built headquarters, The Vinery Centre (LS9), Leeds Mencap provides a vital “Lifeline” for over 450 families across the city:

The “Early Years” Specialist: The charity is renowned for its Community Nursery and specialist “Jim’s Group,” providing crucial early intervention for children with learning disabilities and autism.
Youth & Social Connectivity: They manage a robust network of Youth Clubs and school holiday Playschemes, specifically designed to combat the high levels of social isolation (reported by 94% of their member families) by providing safe spaces to build friendships.
Holistic Family Support: Their “There4Me” service offers a “One-Stop-Shop” for parents and carers, providing navigation through the complex SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system, alongside a dedicated Sibs Club for brothers and sisters.

To apply for this job please visit www.leedsmencap.org.uk.