At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create engaging learning experiences for children.
- Company: Join the outstanding Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery, part of Family First Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, childcare discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and over a year of experience required.
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. Apply below after reading through all the details and supporting information regarding this job opportunity.
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.
Locations
Childcare & nursery manager in Colchester, Essex 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 supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and significant childcare discounts, we create a nurturing environment where staff can thrive alongside the children they care for. Located in the heart of the community, we offer personalised development opportunities to help you advance your career in early years education.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare & nursery manager in Colchester, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to nursery management. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's development in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare & nursery manager in Colchester, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the role of a Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader. Highlight your Level 3 qualification and any relevant experience in early years settings to catch our eye!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for childcare and how you can contribute to our warm, home-from-home environment. Be genuine and let us know why you want to join Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of Ofsted expectations and the EYFS framework in your application. We love candidates who are well-informed and ready to ensure high-quality learning experiences for our children.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly, so don’t hesitate – we can’t wait to hear from you!
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 qualified, but also genuinely passionate about early years education.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've led a team or created engaging learning experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle certain situations with children or staff. Think about challenges you've faced in the past and how you resolved them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the nursery's approach to child development or team dynamics. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
