Nursery Room Manager (Maternity Cover)

Department: Little Elms Lee

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Little Elms Daycare Nursery Lee

Reporting To: Nursery Manager

Compensation: £32,000 - £33,000 / year

Description:

£1000 Welcome Bonus. 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 Shirley Nursery. The nursery offers state‑of‑the‑art facilities, combining bright and spacious indoor rooms along with fabulous outdoor areas. You can earn up to £28,500.00 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’ 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
• New starter goody bag

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.

The welcome bonus will be paid in two instalments. £500 will be paid in the first salary payment after joining, then another £500 upon completion of probation (6 months, unless extended). The welcome bonus will be subject to normal Tax & NI deductions.

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 at all times.
• 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.