Nursery Room Manager (Maternity Cover)

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Nursery Room Leader / Manager to be based in our Shirley Nursery. The nursery offers state‑of‑the‑art facilities, combining bright and spacious indoor rooms with fabulous outdoor areas. The role offers a £1,000 Welcome Bonus paid in two instalments.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Management
  • Lead, support, and motivate the room team to ensure high-quality care and education.
  • Delegate tasks effectively and ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and mentoring to develop staff skills.
  • Organise rotas, staff breaks, and room duties to maintain appropriate ratios.
• Child Development and Learning
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate age‑appropriate activities following the EYFS.
  • Ensure children’s development is observed, assessed, and recorded accurately.
  • Support key persons in writing observations, next steps, and learning journals.
  • Adapt activities to meet individual needs, including SEND support where required.
• Safeguarding and Welfare
  • Maintain a safe, secure environment and ensure all safeguarding procedures are followed.
  • Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and report them to the DSL.
  • Conduct daily risk assessments of the room and outdoor areas.
  • Ensure children’s personal care needs (toileting, feeding, hygiene) are met consistently.
• Communication and Partnerships
  • Build strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
  • Communicate daily with parents about their child’s wellbeing, progress, and activities.
  • Work closely with other professionals (SENCO, health visitors, external agencies) when needed.
• Room Organisation and Environment
  • Ensure the room is well‑presented, stimulating, and inviting at all times.
  • Maintain resources, ensuring equipment is clean, safe and age‑appropriate.
  • Set up purposeful learning areas and rotate activities regularly.
  • Oversee housekeeping tasks such as cleanliness, displays, and storage.
• Compliance and Documentation
  • Ensure all policies, procedures, and statutory requirements are followed.
  • Complete and check accident forms, medication records, and attendance registers.
  • Support inspections and internal audits by keeping documentation accurate and up to date.
• Behaviour Guidance
  • Model positive behaviour management techniques for staff.
  • Support children in developing social skills, emotional regulation, and independence.
  • Manage challenging behaviour calmly and consistently.
• Professional Development
  • Attend training and staff meetings to keep knowledge current.
  • Support team members’ development by identifying training needs.
  • Reflect on practice and contribute to continuous improvement within the room.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year’s experience in a Nursery Room Leader role or equivalent.
• Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years childcare.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the EYFS and statutory framework.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to use own initiative.
• Passion for showing care in day‑to‑day interactions with children.

Benefits

• £1,000 Welcome bonus.
• Excellent rates of pay.
• Service recognition awards – extra day’s annual leave for each year worked.
• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme (BUPA).
• Generous childcare discount.
• Support to gain higher qualifications.
• Internal promotion opportunities.
• Free uniform.
• New starter goody bag.

Position Requirements

• Enhanced DBS Certificate and satisfactory employment references.
• Required to undertake online safeguarding training and pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
• Must provide evidence of right to work in the UK (non‑sponsor).

Little Elms Daycare Nurseries is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.