At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nursery team to provide high-quality care and learning for children aged 0-5.
- Company: Award-winning RAFAKidz, dedicated to supporting the RAF community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, subsidised childcare, cycle to work scheme, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in children's lives every day.
- Qualifications: QTS qualification and experience in early years education required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Winner – Nursery Group of the Year 2025
RAFAKidz Nursery, Central London
£35,006
40 hours per week
Opening hours 08:00-18:00, all year round
We offer:
- Subsidised childcare to all permanent staff
- Refer a Friend Bonus Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Access to internal promotions
- 6.6 weeks annual leave
About us
RAFAKidz is the proud winner of Nursery Group of the Year 2025. We provide high quality, affordable early years childcare and wraparound services to the children of serving RAF personnel and the wider defence community. RAFAKidz is a not-for-profit organisation, reinvesting surplus income to support the RAF community. Our newest setting in central London is one of 21 settings in the RAFAKidz family and opened in April. Based within an exclusive VIP establishment in the heart of Westminster, a few minutes walk from Westminster and Embankment tube stations, our colleagues can benefit from an onsite café and gym. We offer a ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme for those wishing to travel by bike on one of the many designated cycle routes.
If you’re a talented, passionate and dedicated childcare professional looking for your next step, our friendly bijou nursery is the place for you! Circa 19 staff look after 38 children and we are proud to announce that we remain fully staffed regardless of the number of children having fun and learning with us every day.
About the role
This is a key role working closely with the nursery management team with a range of responsibilities which include:
- Lead the provision for a high standard of learning, development and care for children aged 0-5 years, promoting learning through play.
- Oversee children’s development and assessment records and ensure that they reflect their individual progress and are up to date.
- Support Managers to complete half termly cohort tracking to support the development of different groups of children in your room.
- Provide leadership and support to room staff to enable them to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
- Ensure the effective implementation of the Key Worker procedures and allocate children to key workers appropriately.
- Undertake practice observations, supervisions and support any performance management for room staff.
- In conjunction with the senior management team identify and address individual training needs of playroom staff.
Essential person criteria for this role includes:
- QTS qualification
- Previous recent experience, working as a teacher or working in an early years setting
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (full)
- Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and current Ofsted statutory guidance.
- Proven practical experience of implementing good quality learning opportunities.
- Experience of planning activities to meet the needs of individual children
- Knowledge and understanding of the current legislations in Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Food Standards Agency
- Ability to write reports and keep clear and accurate records
This post requires a satisfactory, enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check on appointment and every three years thereafter. As part of our inclusive culture, we encourage applications across all cultural backgrounds, genders and abilities.
Apply via our website www.rafakidz.org.uk. Closing date Monday 23 February however interviews are ongoing and we may close this advert early.
(LO) Nursery Room Leader with QTS employer: RAF Association
Contact Detail:
RAF Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land (LO) Nursery Room Leader with QTS
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area and check out RAFAKidz. Familiarise yourself with their values and what makes them tick. This will help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to early years education and your leadership style. Think about specific examples from your experience that highlight your skills in promoting learning through play and supporting staff.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Talk about your commitment to high-quality childcare and how you can contribute to the positive environment at RAFAKidz.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace (LO) Nursery Room Leader with QTS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for nurturing and developing young minds, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Room Leader role. Highlight your QTS qualification and relevant experience in early years settings. We love seeing how your skills align with our mission at RAFAKidz!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in your communication, just like you’ll need in your role with the children.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find all the details you need about the position there.
How to prepare for a job interview at RAF Association
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage and Ofsted guidance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about early years education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Nursery Room Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and support staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team or supported colleagues in the past. This will highlight your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle specific situations with children or staff. Think through some scenarios in advance, like how to promote learning through play or manage a challenging behaviour. This will help you respond confidently during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery's approach to child development or staff training opportunities. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.