We believe the key to a happy nursery is a happy team which includes people from all walks of life, valued as individuals, and encouraged to bring their uniqueness to delivering outstanding childcare every day. None of what we do would be possible without our outstanding team.
Join our award-winning, nature-focused nursery group, where educators work a 4-day week, are paid in the top 10% locally, and are supported to grow their careers across our settings in York and Leeds.
Everything we do is guided by our core values - Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork and Responsibility - shaping how we care for children, support families, and look after each other as a team.
We’ve created this role because we believe safeguarding deserves real time, attention, and expertise - not squeezed in around everything else. The right person will be an experienced Level 3 educator ready to step into safeguarding leadership while keeping their feet (muddy!) firmly in the rooms with the children.
About the role
This is a hybrid position. Two days each week are protected non-contact time, dedicated to safeguarding leadership - casework, multi-agency liaison, and supporting families with active concerns. The other two days, you’ll be in the room as part of the educator team, working directly with children and modelling great practice.
Your safeguarding days will include:
- Leading day-to-day case management for safeguarding concerns at Acomb, maintaining accurate records and clear chronologies
- Acting as a key liaison with Children’s Social Care, the LADO, MASH, health visitors, family support workers, and Early Help teams
- Attending and contributing to multi-agency meetings (TAF, CIN, child protection conferences)
- Leading on Early Help assessments and the drafting and review of individual support plans
- Running safeguarding supervision with room leads holding active cases
- Being a consistent point of contact for parents engaging with services, alongside the Nursery Manager
- Managing the early stages of allegations against staff, escalating in line with policy
- Coordinating online safety, Prevent duty, and Operation Encompass at site level
- Maintaining the staff safeguarding training matrix and delivering in-house refreshers
- Conducting quarterly safeguarding file audits and reporting to group leadership
- Staying current on legislation, guidance, and local safeguarding partnership procedures
Your room days will include:
- Planning and delivering engaging learning activities, with a strong focus on outdoor play and exploration
- Observing, assessing and supporting children’s individual learning journeys
- Acting as a key person and building strong, trusting relationships with families
- Creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment
- Working collaboratively as part of a positive, supportive team
- Being responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in your care
We’re looking for someone who:
- Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent)
- Has substantial early years experience, ideally with exposure to safeguarding cases, Early Help, or supporting vulnerable families
- Communicates clearly in writing - case notes, referrals, and support plans need to be accurate and concise
- Has the calm and confidence to handle difficult conversations with parents and staff
- Is resilient - safeguarding work carries emotional weight, and you’ll be well supported, but the role suits people who can carry that thoughtfully
- Is organised, methodical, and discreet with confidential information
- Is a reflective practitioner who actively seeks supervision and feedback
- Shares our values and commitment to high-quality childcare
- Has a genuine passion for outdoor learning and child-led play
Desirable (or willing to obtain within three months of starting):
- Level 3/Advanced DSL training (we’ll fund this if needed)
- Experience chairing or contributing to multi-agency meetings
- Working knowledge of local safeguarding partnership procedures
Direct safeguarding lead experience is welcomed, but a willingness to grow into the role with strong support and training is just as important.
Safeguarding
Muddy Boots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and right-to-work verification in line with our safer recruitment practices.
About the Location
https://www.muddybootsnursery.co.uk/muddy-boots-acomb
Situated in the grounds of Westfield Primary School, right in the heart of Acomb, this is one of our two largest York nurseries. Each nursery room has direct access to an outdoor garden space and the new edition of a full size tipi in our nature school, reflecting our hands-on, nature-led approach to early years care.
