Early Years Room Leader

• Early Years Educator - Room Lead
• £15.10 per hour
• Location - Tonbridge
• 40 hours per week

We are seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated and experienced Early Years Educator to join our nursery team as a Room Lead.

The successful candidate will provide strong day-to-day leadership within their allocated room, supporting and mentoring colleagues while working closely with the Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager and Early Years Management Team.

Responsibilities

• Room Leadership
• Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery by effectively leading, supporting and developing staff within your allocated room.
• Act as a positive role model and mentor for colleagues, promoting high standards of professional practice.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and welfare procedures are consistently followed.
• Lead effective room organisation and maintain a positive, stimulating and inclusive environment for children.
• Prepare staff and the room to a high standard for open mornings, tours, settling‑in sessions and other nursery events.
• Planning, Teaching and Learning
• Lead room‑based planning to provide a broad range of age‑appropriate activities that reflect the EYFS curriculum and the individual needs, interests and stages of development of the children.
• Plan activities that support children's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.
• Incorporate relevant whole‑setting themes, events and cross‑curricular activities into room planning.
• Work alongside the EYFS SENDCo, where appropriate, to plan and deliver targeted interventions and support for children with additional needs, including working with external agencies where required.
• Monitor children's development and ensure appropriate next steps are identified and implemented.
• Maintain high‑quality developmental observations, linking these to Development Matters and the Characteristics of Effective Learning (COEL).
• Key Person Responsibilities
• Take responsibility for an allocated group of key children, supporting their individual development, learning and wellbeing.
• Ensure all children in your care are safe, happy, settled and fully included in nursery life.
• Act as a buddy key person when required, ensuring continuity and consistency of care.
• Be attentive to individual children's dietary, medical and care needs, particularly during mealtimes, and ensure relevant information is kept up to date.
• Communicate any significant incidents, concerns or relevant information promptly and appropriately to the Early Years Management Team.
• Records, Assessment and Communication
• Ensure all day‑to‑day records and documentation are completed accurately and within required timescales.
• Maintain regular developmental observations and progress records using the nursery's online learning and communication platform.
• Ensure observations are appropriately linked to Development Matters and the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
• Provide clear and appropriate next steps following observations where required.
• Support colleagues in maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date records.
• Proofread children's reports and progress information, supporting colleagues to ensure documentation is accurate, professional and completed by the required deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with families and other professionals, both verbally and in writing.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Early Years NVQ Level 3 or above, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
• At least two years' experience working in a nursery or early years setting.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS curriculum and child development.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding and children's welfare.
• Demonstrable experience of working effectively as part of a team.

Desirable

• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification.
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
• Experience of supporting children with SEND and working alongside external agencies.
• Experience of using an online early years assessment and communication platform. Training can be provided where required.

We are looking for someone who

• Has a genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their development.
• Is enthusiastic, energetic and committed to providing high‑quality early years education and care.
• Can confidently lead, motivate and support colleagues.
• Has strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Can monitor, assess, record and communicate children's progress effectively.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and consistently prioritises children's safety and wellbeing.
• Builds positive and professional relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Is committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

Benefits

• Free Lunches
• 25 days holiday
• (15 discretionary, 5 days at Easter and 5 days at Christmas)
• Well-Being events
• Pension Scheme (Aviva)
• Uniform
• Corporate Gym Membership at The Angel Centre
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