At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing nursery environment and support young children's learning journeys.
- Company: Join Ardingly College, a supportive community dedicated to early years education.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent facilities, staff development opportunities, and a commitment to wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team in a thriving educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years education and strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and caring Nursery Lead to join our thriving Early Years setting on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on leadership with outstanding early years practice, supporting the day-to-day running of the Nursery while working closely with the Assistant Head (EYFS). The role includes leading provision for our youngest children, contributing to a high-quality learning environment, and taking operational responsibility during holiday provision.
To be successful, you will:
- Be passionate about delivering exceptional early years education
- Demonstrate strong leadership and organisational skills
- Champion safeguarding, wellbeing and high standards of care
- Thrive in a collaborative and nurturing school environment
At Ardingly, you will join a warm, supportive community with excellent facilities and a strong commitment to staff development and pupil wellbeing. Join us and play a vital role at the start of each child's educational journey.
Closing date: 5.00pm on 1 June 2026, although applications may be considered upon receipt.
Ardingly College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 2-18, a member of the HMC and a school of the Woodard Corporation. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All employees are required to undertake child protection screening appropriate to the post, including enhanced DBS checks.
Nursery Lead employer: Ardingly Prep
Ardingly College is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and collaborative environment where staff are valued and supported in their professional growth. With a strong commitment to staff development and pupil wellbeing, employees enjoy excellent facilities and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners. Join us in shaping the future of education in a warm community that prioritises high standards of care and safeguarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in early years settings. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Ardingly College and understand their values and approach to early years education. Tailor your answers to show how your passion aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've led a team or improved a learning environment. Be ready to discuss these during interviews to demonstrate your fit for the Nursery Lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our supportive community at Ardingly.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your enthusiasm for early years education in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about delivering exceptional learning experiences for our youngest children.
Highlight Leadership Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your leadership and organisational skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence, so share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
Emphasise Collaboration:Since we thrive in a collaborative environment, it’s important to mention your experience working closely with others. Talk about how you’ve fostered teamwork and supported colleagues in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardingly Prep
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest early years education practices and theories. Be ready to discuss how you can implement these in your role as Nursery Lead, showing your passion for delivering exceptional education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed a classroom before. Highlight your organisational skills and how you’ve created a nurturing environment for both staff and children.
✨Champion Safeguarding
Understand the safeguarding policies and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure the wellbeing of the children in your care. This is crucial, so demonstrate your commitment to high standards of care during the interview.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with the Assistant Head (EYFS), think about how you can contribute to a collaborative environment. Share experiences where teamwork has led to positive outcomes in your previous roles.
