Room leader/ senior nursery practitioner in London

The successful candidate will:

• Take a lead role in delivering high-quality early years education and care in the nursery.
• Work in partnership with the Nursery Manager and team to plan and deliver engaging activities that support children’s development and enhance parental engagement.
• Contribute to the effective daily running of the nursery, supporting colleagues in providing an inclusive and stimulating environment in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding legislation, and Children and Young People Plan.

Responsible to: Deputy Manager and Nursery Manager

Reports directly to the Deputy Manager and Nursery Manager.

Builds positive collaborative relationships with all team members. Engages constructively with children, parents, carers, external professionals, and service partners.

• To plan and lead age-appropriate learning activities based on individual children’s needs and interests, including identifying and supporting next steps for development.
• To be an active part of shift planning, handovers, and team meetings to ensure effective communication and continuity of care.
• To use ICT systems to support planning, tracking, record-keeping, and data collection across the setting.
• To provide strong leadership and model best practice for team members, ensuring adherence to nursery policies, safeguarding, and health and safety requirements.
• To contribute to the creation and maintenance of a high-quality, safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment.
• To deliver educational experiences linked to the EYFS curriculum and support the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development of all children.
• To promote positive relationships between children, parents/carers, and colleagues, ensuring two-way communication and meaningful engagement.
• To take a lead in setting up and clearing away activities and resources daily, maintaining a safe and inviting learning environment.
• To ensure inclusive practice by meeting the needs of all children, including those with SEND, EAL, or other additional needs.
• To maintain high levels of hygiene, cleanliness, and safety throughout the setting, including cleaning of toys, materials, and equipment.
• To complete risk assessments, health and safety checks, and adhere to safeguarding procedures.
• To act as a designated safeguarding officer or support the DSL in identifying, recording, and reporting concerns related to a child's well-being.
• To supervise and support team members, conducting 1:1s, appraisals, and regular professional discussions.
• To ensure that staff are well-trained, supported, and confident in delivering quality care and learning.
• To keep up to date with all EYFS and Ofsted requirements and changes in legislation and best practices, sharing information with the wider team.
• To support the delivery of healthy eating, well-being, and lifestyle practices across the nursery.
• To champion diversity and inclusion and embed these values into all aspects of care and education.
• To attend and contribute to training days, team development sessions, and relevant meetings as required.
• To participate in outreach activities or stay-and-play sessions to support parental involvement in their children’s learning.
• Participate in training and continuous professional development opportunities as required.
• Support colleagues in understanding and implementing updates to EYFS, safeguarding, and other statutory requirements.
• Lead and deliver in-house training and reflective practice sessions.
• Maintain professional standards, including up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and Ofsted regulations.
• To hold and maintain a valid Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualification.
• To act in accordance with and actively promote the nursery’s ethos, policies, and procedures.
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, including weekends or evenings if required.
• To contribute to the nursery’s emergency planning and critical incident response where appropriate.

• Proven experience of leading and supporting early years teams.
• Experience of working with children aged 0–5 years in an early years setting.
• Familiarity with implementing the EYFS and supporting child development through evidence-based planning.
• Experience of working with families and supporting engagement in learning.
• Experience of recognising and acting upon safeguarding or SEND concerns appropriately.
• Level 3 qualification in Childcare or equivalent (essential).
• Strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding legislation, and health and safety requirements.
• Good understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
• Knowledge of child development, learning theories, and attachment-based practices.
• Ability to plan and lead creative, inclusive, and stimulating learning experiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and motivational skills.
• Able to manage time and prioritise workload effectively.
• Competent in using digital systems for observations, tracking, and reporting.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with families, professionals, and colleagues.
• Clear Enhanced DBS certificate.
• Good attendance and punctuality record.
• Right to work in the UK.