At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nursery room, creating engaging learning experiences for children.
- Company: Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery, rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, 75% childcare discount, and health support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and over 1 year of Early Years experience.
The predicted salary is between 29245 - 29245 € per year.
Ready to take the next step in your early years career? We’re recruiting an experienced Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader at Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
School House, Colchester Academy, Hawthorne Avenue, Essex, CO4 3JN
Full time - 36 hours
£29,245 per annum
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is a beautiful converted house nursery, rated Outstanding by Ofsted (November 2022). We provide a warm, home‑from‑home environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to thrive. The nursery is located on Hawthorn Avenue via Acacia Avenue, based on the school grounds of Colchester Academy, offering a well‑established setting at the heart of the local community.
Why Join Us?
- Generous Annual Leave: 24 days to start, plus bank holidays and your birthday off – paid!
- Childcare Discount: 75% off nursery fees for your little ones
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Confidential employee assistance helpline
- Career Growth: Personalised learning and development opportunities
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to £750 with our referral scheme
Room Leader duties and responsibilities:
- Lead the room to deliver engaging, age‑appropriate learning experiences
- Support children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development
- Role model best practice and support staff development and consistency
- Oversee high‑quality learning records and systems (EyLog/EyMan)
- Ensure the safety, wellbeing and EYFS compliance at all times
Room Leader requirement and skills:
- Full and relevant Level 3 in Childcare qualification - Essential
- Over 1 year’s experience working in Early Years - Essential
- Sound knowledge of Ofsted expectations to achieve a Good or Outstanding rating - Desirable
- Knowledge of the statutory framework for the EYFS and regulatory requirements - Essential
- Fluent in written and spoken English - Essential
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.
Nursery Third in Charge in Chelmsford employer: Family First Nursery Group
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its team members. With a warm, supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and significant childcare discounts, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of the community, this nursery offers unique opportunities for career advancement in a nurturing environment dedicated to safeguarding and equality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Third in Charge in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the nursery's values and approach to childcare. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of providing a warm, home-from-home environment for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your work, like learning records or activities you've led. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and commitment to high-quality early years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Family First Group and contributing to an Outstanding nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Third in Charge in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how much you care about nurturing children's development and creating a safe, engaging environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Third in Charge role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially any leadership roles or responsibilities you've had in previous positions. We love seeing how your background fits with our values!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you truly understand what it takes to maintain an Outstanding rating.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've led a team or implemented engaging learning experiences. This will help demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to support children's development effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle certain situations in the nursery. Think about challenges you've faced before and how you resolved them, especially in relation to safeguarding and compliance with regulations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the nursery's approach to staff development or how they ensure a supportive environment for both children and staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
