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 advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and over a year of Early Years 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.
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.
Locations
Nursery Manager / Deputy Nursery Manager / Early Years 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 warm, supportive work environment, generous annual leave, and significant childcare discounts, we ensure our staff feel valued and motivated. Located in the heart of the community, we offer personalised learning opportunities to help you thrive in your early years career.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager / Deputy Nursery Manager / Early Years Manager in Colchester, Essex
✨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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your game face on for interviews! Research the nursery and prepare some thoughtful questions to show your genuine interest. Remember, it’s not just about them interviewing you; it’s your chance to see if they’re the right fit for you too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported children's development and created engaging learning experiences. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager / Deputy Nursery Manager / Early Years Manager in Colchester, Essex
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, supportive environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, especially your Level 3 Childcare qualification and any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how your background fits with our nursery's 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 skills and experiences 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 our 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 how you’ve applied these in your previous roles will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's development and created engaging learning experiences. This will help the interviewers see your genuine commitment to the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the nursery's approach to child development and staff support. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also in how you can contribute to their mission and values.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a potential Room Leader, it’s crucial to highlight your ability to work collaboratively with other staff. Share examples of how you’ve supported colleagues in the past and how you plan to foster a positive team environment at Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
