Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire children through nature-based learning and outdoor play.
- Company: Join the award-winning Muddy Boots Nursery with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14.20/hour, enjoy a 4-day work week, and receive free lunches.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led team that prioritises wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while enjoying career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in early years settings required.
The predicted salary is between 13.8 - 14.2 £ per hour.
Deputy Room Leader at Muddy Boots Nursery, Poppleton YO26 6QD
£13.80 – £14.20 per hour (age 21+)
Full-time (4-day week)
Due to an internal promotion within our Nature School, an exciting opportunity has become available for a Deputy Room Leader to work as part of the leadership team with our newly refurbished Nature School tipi. At Muddy Boots Poppleton, we’re proud to be an award-winning nursery, recognised for delivering exceptional early years education through meaningful outdoor learning. We particularly welcome applications from experienced Level 3 Early Years Educators who are ready to grow and develop their career within our nursery group.
Real career development – many of our team members progress into Room Leader, Third in Charge and Deputy Manager roles as they grow with us. Everything we do is guided by our core values — Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork and Responsibility — and they shape how we care for children, support families and look after each other as a team.
Key ResponsibilitiesAs a Deputy Room Leader, you’ll play a vital role in delivering high-quality, nature-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence and independence. Your role will include:
- Planning and delivering engaging learning activities, with a strong focus on outdoor play and exploration
- Observing, assessing and supporting children’s individual learning journeys
- Acting as a key person and building strong, trusting relationships with families
- Creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment
- Working collaboratively as part of a positive, supportive team
- Be responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in their care
We’re looking for someone who:
- Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum
- Has experience in an early years setting
- Shares our values and commitment to high-quality childcare
- Has a genuine passion for outdoor learning and child-led play
- Is positive, proactive and enjoys working as part of a team
Experience in outdoor education is welcomed, but a willingness to learn and grow with us is just as important.
BenefitsWe know that when staff feel valued and supported, they do their best work. That’s why we offer a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work–life balance and career:
- Top 10% pay locally, up to £14.20 per hour (21yrs+)
- 4-day working week for full-time staff – more time for you
- Clear progression opportunities — move through our pay bandings and apply internally for new roles as they arise
- Opportunities to progress within our growing group, including roles across our nurseries in York and Leeds
- Extra holiday days for long-standing team members
- Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption pay
- Free lunches, tea & snacks
- Lifestyle discounts on groceries, travel, entertainment & more
- Employee Assistance Programme – mental health support & coaching
- Staff treats, social events & celebrations
- Free uniform and on-site parking
Plus, the opportunity to work in an award-winning nursery that truly lives its values. Muddy Boots is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to Safeguarding and Promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This job is subject to an enhanced DBS check and Satisfactory References.
If you’re excited by the idea of working in a values-led, award-winning nursery where people come first and outdoor learning is central to everything we do, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your Muddy Boots journey with us.
Deputy Room Leader - Nature School (up to £14.20 21ys+) in York employer: Muddy Boots Nursery
Contact Detail:
Muddy Boots Nursery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Room Leader - Nature School (up to £14.20 21ys+) in York
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and mission. When you walk in for your interview, show us how your passion for outdoor learning aligns with our commitment to high-quality childcare. It’s all about connecting with what we stand for!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've created engaging learning experiences in the past. We love hearing about your hands-on approach and how you’ve fostered curiosity and independence in children. Bring those stories to life!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show us that you’re genuinely interested in growing with us. Inquire about our career development opportunities and how you can contribute to our supportive team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Muddy Boots family right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Room Leader - Nature School (up to £14.20 21ys+) in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning: When writing your application, let your love for outdoor education shine through! Share any experiences you have that highlight your enthusiasm for nature-based learning and how it aligns with our values at Muddy Boots.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background as a Level 3 Early Years Educator makes you a perfect fit for the Deputy Room Leader role.
Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration: Since teamwork is one of our core values, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team in previous roles. This will show us that you’re ready to contribute positively to our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Muddy Boots Nursery
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Muddy Boots' core values: Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork, and Responsibility. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated these in your previous roles.
✨Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning
Since this role focuses on nature-based learning, come prepared to discuss your experiences with outdoor education or child-led play. If you have any creative ideas for outdoor activities, jot them down and be ready to share them during the interview to showcase your enthusiasm and initiative.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Deputy Room Leader, collaboration is key. Be prepared to talk about your experience working in teams, especially in early years settings. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment, as this will demonstrate your fit within their supportive culture.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to outdoor learning, staff development opportunities, or how they support their team members. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.