Nursery Room Leader

The company is unable to sponsor employment of international workers in this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.

We are currently looking for a skilled and experienced Nursery Room Leader/Manager to be based in our Catford Nursery. The nursery offers state-of-the-art facilities, bright and spacious indoor rooms and fabulous outdoor areas. You can earn up to £30,160 per annum working full time (40 hours per week) – 4 days a week or 5 days at 8:30am to 5:30pm.

To be considered for the Nursery Room Leader / Room Manager role you must have:

• At least 1 year of experience in a Nursery Room Leader role or equivalent
• Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years childcare
• Excellent knowledge & understanding of the EYFS & Statutory framework
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to use your own initiative
• Your passion to be shown in your day-to-day interaction with children

Little Elms amazing benefits for you:

• New Starter £1000 Welcome bonus
• Excellent rates of pay
• Service recognition awards – get an extra day’s annual leave, for each year worked
• Free access to our Employee Assistance Programme (provided by BUPA)
• Generous Childcare discount
• Support to gain higher qualifications
• Internal promotion opportunities
• Free Uniform

Things you need to know:

• This position is subject to an Enhanced DBS Certificate and satisfactory employment references.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake online safeguarding training and all positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• Little Elms Daycare Nurseries are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
• Little Elms Daycare Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management: Lead and motivate a team of nursery practitioners within the room. Delegate responsibilities effectively and support staff in delivering high‑quality care. Conduct regular team meetings to discuss planning, children’s progress, and room issues. Provide supervision, mentoring, and coaching for junior staff, students, and apprentices. Ensure policies, procedures, and standards are consistently followed by all team members.
• Childcare & Early Years Education: Oversee the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Ensure that children’s individual needs, interests, and developmental stages are met through stimulating activities and planning. Monitor children’s development and ensure accurate observations, assessments, and learning journeys are kept up to date. Promote high standards of safeguarding, welfare, and behaviour management.
• Health & Safety / Safeguarding: Ensure a safe, secure, and clean environment for children at all times. Carry out regular risk assessments and ensure health and safety policies are followed. Be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children and report any concerns promptly.
• Parent Partnership: Build positive relationships with parents and carers through regular communication and updates. Conduct handovers, attend parent meetings, and support transitions. Offer support and guidance to parents regarding their child’s development and welfare.
• Organisation & Administration: Manage the room’s daily routines, staffing levels, and rosters. Support the manager in inspections (e.g., Ofsted) and internal audits. Maintain accurate records including attendance, incidents, and health checks.
• Continuous Improvement: Keep up to date with current best practices, statutory requirements, and company policies. Reflect on practice and identify areas for improvement. Encourage team training and personal development.

Core Skills:

• Leadership & Teamwork: Ability to inspire, lead, and support a team of practitioners, while fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for liaising with staff, management, parents, and external professionals.
• Organisation & Time Management: Efficient in managing room routines, staff rosters, and planning, while ensuring timely completion of administrative tasks.
• Observation & Assessment: Skilled in conducting accurate observations and assessments, and using them to inform planning and track progress in line with the EYFS.
• Problem‑Solving: Ability to remain calm under pressure and address challenges proactively and sensitively.

Knowledge:

• EYFS Framework: In-depth understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how to deliver it through high‑quality learning experiences.
• Child Development: Sound knowledge of developmental milestones from birth to 5 years, including how to support different learning styles and needs.
• Safeguarding & Child Protection: Up‑to‑date understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures, with a clear sense of when and how to elevate concerns.
• Health & Safety Regulations: Knowledge of relevant health, hygiene, and safety requirements in an early years setting.
• Ofsted Standards: Familiarity with inspection frameworks and how to meet or exceed expectations in a regulated environment.

Expertise:

• Planning & Curriculum Delivery: Expertise in planning age‑appropriate activities that are inclusive, stimulating, and meet individual learning goals.
• Key Person Approach: Skilled in building strong bonds with children and families, supporting secure attachments and consistent care.
• Inclusive Practice: Understanding of how to support children with additional needs, EAL learners, and those from diverse backgrounds.
• Behaviour Management: Confident in implementing positive behaviour strategies that promote respect, empathy, and social skills.
• Mentoring & Development: Experience in supporting the professional growth of team members, including apprentices and students.