At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in creating inspiring, child-led learning experiences.
- Company: High-quality nursery in Crawley with a focus on curiosity-led education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a gold standard setting with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through creative pedagogy.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification required; Level 4 or above preferred.
The predicted salary is between 32250 - 32250 € per year.
Location: Crawley
Working Pattern: Permanent, Full‑Time
Salary: GBP32,250
Opportunity
Are you a passionate Early Years practitioner who believes in the power of curiosity‑led learning? We are partnering with a high‑quality day nursery in Crawley that is looking for a dedicated Room Leader to champion creative pedagogy from this June. This is a brilliant opportunity for a reflective professional who wants to escape rigid, box‑ticking routines and instead inspire a room through child‑led discovery, creative environments, and exceptional care standards.
About the Setting
This Crawley nursery is a "gold standard" environment where a curiosity‑led educational philosophy is at the absolute heart of everything they do. Overseen by a passionate, hands‑on owner, the setting offers purposeful and stimulating spaces that encourage children to explore. The nursery is highly accessible, featuring on‑site parking and situated a flat 15‑20 minute walk from Three Bridges and Crawley railway stations.
Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities
- Leadership & Mentorship: Provide daily guidance to your room team, conducting peer observations and leading 1:1 sessions to identify training needs and maintain high standards.
- Curriculum & Pedagogy: Oversee all planning and provision, ensuring a "curiosity approach" is taken to provide age‑appropriate, stimulating activities for every child.
- Operational Excellence: Effectively deploy staff and resources to ensure statutory ratios are maintained and the room runs seamlessly.
- Safeguarding & Health: Act as a vigilant protector for all children, ensuring strict adherence to safeguarding procedures, daily risk assessments, and health and safety policies.
- Parental Partnership: Build and maintain relationships of trust with families, managing the "EY Log" for observations and providing professional, warm feedback on child development.
What We Are Looking For
- Qualifications: You must hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification (Level 4 or above is highly desirable).
- Experience: Proven experience in a senior or Room Leader capacity, with a track record of excellent practice and team supervision.
- Characteristics: A creative, reflective leader and a professional role model who can implement new ideas and foster a collaborative team culture.
- Transport/Commute: Ideally suited for candidates based in Crawley or those within a comfortable commute of Three Bridges/Crawley stations.
Safeguarding & Compliance
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Candidates must provide a full CV history with all gaps accounted for and possess the right to work in the UK. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; as such, two professional references will be required prior to placement.
Senior Early Years Practitioner in Horsham employer: Randstad
Join a nurturing and innovative nursery in Crawley that prioritises curiosity-led learning and exceptional care standards. As a Senior Early Years Practitioner, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values creativity and professional growth, with opportunities for mentorship and leadership development. Enjoy the benefits of on-site parking and a location that is easily accessible, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about inspiring young minds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Practitioner in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow Early Years practitioners on LinkedIn or local community groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to child-led learning and creative pedagogy. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for curiosity-led learning during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've implemented this approach in your previous roles, and don’t forget to highlight your leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Early Years Practitioner role. It shows you're serious about the opportunity and gives us a chance to see your application first-hand!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Practitioner in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for curiosity-led learning shine through in your application. We want to see how you can inspire children and create engaging environments, so share specific examples of your experiences!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant qualifications and experience as a Room Leader. We love seeing how you've implemented creative pedagogy and led teams, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Reflective:As a reflective professional, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to learn and grow. Share instances where you’ve adapted your approach based on feedback or observations – we value continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the 'curiosity-led learning' philosophy. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented this approach in your previous roles and share specific examples of activities that foster child-led discovery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in mentoring and guiding a team. Think of instances where you’ve conducted peer observations or led training sessions, and be ready to explain how you maintain high standards within your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding procedures and health policies. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure a safe environment for children and how you conduct daily risk assessments.
✨Build Rapport with Families
Think about how you’ve built relationships with parents in the past. Be ready to share strategies for maintaining trust and providing warm, professional feedback on child development, as this is key in a nursery setting.
