At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative nursery room, inspiring children aged 6 months to 5 years through engaging activities.
- Company: Join an award-winning Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy 80% childcare discount, international CPD trips, 33 days leave, and seasonal bonuses.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with strong focus on professional growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's development in a nurturing, imaginative environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and previous nursery experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
Join an award-winning Forest and Farm School nursery setting where childcare, outdoor learning, creativity, and child‑led early years education are at the heart of daily practice.
Employment Type: Full‑time, permanent, all year round Nursery Room Leader opportunity within a nurseries & early years setting. No sponsorship available for this role. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK.
Salary: £30,000–£36,000 per year dependent on experience + benefits.
Pay & Benefits:
- 80% childcare discount
- All‑expenses‑paid international CPD trips
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Seasonal bonuses and long‑service rewards
- Employee wellbeing programme, EAP and healthcare cash plan
- Company pension scheme
- Option to buy and sell annual leave
- Staff socials, fun days and team meals
- Employee mentoring and leadership development opportunities
- Free parking and on‑site parking
- Career progression within an award‑winning nursery group
- Work alongside professional artists in dedicated creative studios
Working Hours & Shift Pattern: Full‑time, permanent role working Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 6:00pm. Based in Horsham, West Sussex RH12 within a Forest School and farm‑based nursery environment. Full‑time only position. Nursery operates 51 weeks per year. In‑person role based within the nursery setting. Leadership responsibilities within your own nursery room. Ongoing support through mentoring, training and leadership development.
Job Description: As a Nursery Room Leader, you will join a creative Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex RH12, leading daily learning experiences for children aged 6 months to 5 years within a nurturing and inspiring early years environment. This role combines hands‑on childcare practice with meaningful leadership responsibilities, supporting a room team to deliver high‑quality EYFS learning, safeguarding, and child development within a premium nursery setting. The nursery setting is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, combining outdoor learning, Forest School education, creativity, and child‑led exploration. Children are encouraged to develop curiosity, confidence, imagination and independence through meaningful projects, outdoor experiences and engaging learning opportunities. You will also work alongside passionate educators and professional Atelieristas within dedicated creative studio spaces designed to support expression, creativity and hands‑on learning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage your nursery room to deliver outstanding childcare and early years education
- Support children aged 6 months to 5 years with learning and development
- Plan and deliver engaging age‑appropriate EYFS activities
- Mentor, motivate and support nursery team members
- Create a safe, nurturing and inspiring learning environment
- Build strong relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Take responsibility for key children, observations and documentation
- Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and high standards of nursery practice
- Support outdoor learning, Forest School and creative play experiences
- Work closely with leadership teams to exceed EYFS standards and outcomes
Requirements:
- Permanent right to work in the UK with no sponsorship requirement
- Level 3 or above childcare qualification is required
- Previous Early Years, preschool or nursery experience is required, with leadership experience desirable
- Passion for childcare, EYFS, Forest School and outdoor learning
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, child development and nursery practice
- Positive, proactive and team‑focused approach
- Ability to lead confidently while working collaboratively within the wider nursery team
Company Culture: The nursery environment is warm, imaginative and nature‑focused, combining Forest School learning, Reggio Emilia‑inspired practice, outdoor exploration and creative studio experiences to help children and educators thrive. As a Nursery Room Leader, you will be joining a creative, supportive and highly regarded nursery team where professional development, wellbeing, leadership and child‑led learning are genuinely valued.
Apply Today: If you are an experienced Nursery Room Leader or Senior Early Years professional looking to progress your childcare career within a supportive Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex RH12, this is an excellent opportunity to join an award‑winning early years setting where your leadership, creativity and passion for childcare will be genuinely valued. Apply today to take the next step in your early years leadership career within a creative and development‑focused nursery environment. Interviews are taking place as applications are reviewed, and early applications are strongly encouraged.
Nursery Room Leader in Horsham employer: Recruit by Nature
Join an award-winning Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex, where creativity, outdoor learning, and child-led education are at the forefront of our mission. We offer a supportive work culture with extensive professional development opportunities, including all-expenses-paid international CPD trips, generous annual leave, and a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing. As a Nursery Room Leader, you will thrive in a nurturing environment that values leadership and innovation, working alongside passionate educators to inspire the next generation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Room Leader in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's vibe! Visit their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in their unique environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips on what the nursery values most, which can be a game-changer during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking of specific examples from your experience that align with their values, especially around outdoor learning and child-led education. Show them how you can contribute to their creative approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Room Leader in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for childcare and early years education shine through. We want to see how excited you are about leading a nursery room and creating engaging learning experiences for children.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Room Leader role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leadership and outdoor learning, so we can see how you fit into our creative and nurturing environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to understand why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
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 this exciting opportunity in our award-winning nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit by Nature
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Reggio Emilia approach and Forest School principles. Brush up on your knowledge of EYFS standards and be ready to discuss how you can implement these in your role as a Nursery Room Leader.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for childcare and outdoor learning shine through. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your creativity and commitment to child-led education. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare Engaging Scenarios
Think of specific examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully led a team or created engaging learning activities. Be ready to discuss how you handled challenges and supported your team, as this will demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery’s culture, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute to their creative environment.
