Deputy Room Lead & Senior Early Years Practitioner

Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education (or equivalent). Evidence of at least 2 years’ post‑qualification experience in an early years setting.

Aim of the Post

To deliver and support the oversight of a high‑quality, inclusive early years curriculum in line with the nursery’s ethos. The post holder will support the Room Lead and Management Team to ensure the nursery operates in line with all relevant legislation, statutory frameworks, and Ofsted requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Practice, Curriculum & Care
  • Participate in and, where appropriate, oversee an educationally stimulating programme that meets the needs of individual children and the group, in line with the EYFS.
  • Contribute to and support effective planning, ensuring it reflects children’s interests, next steps, and delivers a broad and balanced curriculum.
  • Maintain a safe, engaging, and well‑organised learning environment.
  • Write development summaries, observations, and reports as required.
  • Support children’s personal care needs, including nappy changing, where necessary.
  • Maintain high standards of care, hygiene, and cleanliness, contributing to daily cleaning routines when required.
• Communication & Partnerships
  • Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
  • Build positive, effective relationships with children, parents/carers, colleagues, and other professionals.
  • Hold individual parent meetings when appropriate and accurately record outcomes.
  • Produce written communications for parents, such as transition or leaving letters, room information, newsletters, and updates, when required.
  • Work in partnership with parents/carers and external professionals to support children’s learning and wellbeing.
• Safeguarding & Compliance
  • Safeguard the welfare of all children and staff, taking an active and confident role in safeguarding.
  • Record and report concerns appropriately to the Room Lead, Manager, Committee, Ofsted, or Local Authority (LADO/MASH) as required.
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times, sharing information only with appropriate professionals.
  • Ensure practice meets the requirements of the EYFS statutory framework and relevant legislation.
• Leadership & Teamwork
  • Support the Room Lead in the day‑to‑day running of the room.
  • Step up to the Room Lead role in their absence.
  • Actively contribute ideas and strategies to improve practice and service delivery.
  • Attend and contribute to team meetings, training, and reflective discussions (some may take place outside normal working hours).
  • Demonstrate strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Additional Requirements
  • Flexibility to work between 7:45am and 6:15pm, as required.
  • Although the nursery is term‑time only, there are 5 days paid inset training held throughout each year.
  • As outlined in your contract, you will be responsible for managing your workload and professional commitments to meet the needs of the nursery.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Commitment to promoting the ethos and values of the nursery and understanding the local community.
  • Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and child development from birth to 5 years.
  • Awareness of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, and current policies and procedures affecting practice.
  • Good IT skills, including using iPads and word‑processing software for reports and records.
  • Physical ability to meet the demands of the role, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
  • Enthusiasm, stamina, initiative, and a proactive approach to work.
• Training & Professional Development
  • We are committed to continuous professional development. The project provides ongoing internal and external training opportunities and supports staff to identify and meet their individual learning needs.
• Additional Information
  • The nursery is managed by a Management Committee made up of past and current parents, who may access information as deemed appropriate by the Manager.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on nursery premises, including outdoor areas and entrances, during nursery sessions.
  • This job description is a guide to the role; duties may vary in line with the needs of the nursery.
  • This is a key role within our warm, non‑profit nursery. The pace of work requires a proactive, flexible practitioner who works with initiative and commitment at all times.