At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing early years room and inspire your team to deliver outstanding care.
- Company: Join a friendly, supportive nursery in Horsham focused on creativity and child-led learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid leave, funded training, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with a focus on outdoor exploration and meaningful relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in an early years setting.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Lead a nurturing early years pre‑school room and inspire a team to deliver outstanding care and play‑based learning every day.
Employment Type: Full‑time, Permanent, Monday–Friday.
Salary: £28,000 to £36,000 per year (dependent on experience) + benefits.
Pay & Benefits:
- Paid annual leave plus bank holidays
- Funded training, qualifications and ongoing CPD to support your development
- Clear progression opportunities into senior early years leadership
- Supportive induction and ongoing mentorship from an experienced leadership team
- Opportunities to develop your leadership style through coaching and reflective practice
- Employee discounts and recognition initiatives
- Outdoor learning opportunities and engaging play spaces
- High‑quality training in approaches such as Reggio Emilia (provided if not already trained)
Working Hours & Shift Pattern: This is a full‑time position with shifts worked across the setting’s opening hours, Monday to Friday. Your rota will be shared in advance and designed to support a healthy work‑life balance. Breaks are provided during each shift, and there may be occasional flexibility required to support key operational needs.
Job Description: We are looking for a confident, caring Room Leader (Practice Leader) to guide a welcoming early years room in a warm and inspiring 50‑place nursery/pre‑school in Horsham, West Sussex (RH12). This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll support children aged 6 months to 5 years through rich, play‑based learning experiences, including plenty of outdoor exploration. You’ll lead by example, bring creativity to the curriculum, and help your team deliver outstanding outcomes through nurturing care, strong routines and meaningful learning opportunities. This Room Leader role suits an experienced Early Years Educator who enjoys mentoring others, values reflective practice, and thrives in an environment where curiosity, nature and child‑led learning are celebrated.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, support and inspire your room team to deliver consistently high‑quality care and learning
- Plan and implement engaging, age‑appropriate activities aligned with the EYFS framework
- Build strong relationships with children, parents and carers through clear, warm communication
- Carry out key person responsibilities, including observations, assessments and learning journeys
- Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, and daily compliance standards are followed at all times
- Support smooth daily routines including mealtimes, hygiene care, sleep routines and transitions
- Encourage outdoor learning and enriching experiences that support all areas of development
Requirements:
- Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification (or equivalent childcare qualification) such as CACHE / EYE / NVQ
- Right to work within the UK (no sponsorship required)
- Enhanced DBS required
- Previous experience within an early years setting such as nursery, pre‑school or day nursery
- Room leadership experience is welcomed, however strong practitioners ready to step up are encouraged to apply
- Sound knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding procedures and best practice in early childhood development
- Comfortable completing observations, documentation and reflective practice to support outcomes
- Interest in approaches such as Reggio Emilia is a bonus (training can be provided)
Company Culture: As a Room Leader (Practice Leader), you’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team where collaboration is valued and every day is shaped by children’s curiosity and joy. Leadership is approachable and invested in helping staff thrive, with a strong focus on learning, development and progression. The setting promotes a calm, nurturing atmosphere with a real emphasis on creativity, outdoor exploration and meaningful relationships. Staff are encouraged to share ideas, reflect on practice, and grow their skills in a culture that feels welcoming, purposeful and people‑centred.
Why This Role Appeals:
- A leadership opportunity where you can remain hands‑on and make a real difference every day
- A supportive team environment with approachable leadership and clear progression pathways
- Creative, child‑led learning with strong outdoor and exploratory play opportunities
- Excellent training and development, including funded CPD and leadership support
Room Leader (Early Years) in Horsham employer: Recruit by Nature
Join a nurturing and supportive team as a Room Leader in Horsham, West Sussex, where your leadership will inspire outstanding care and play-based learning for children aged 6 months to 5 years. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will benefit from funded training, clear progression opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that values creativity and outdoor exploration. This role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in early years education while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and a welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Room Leader (Early Years) in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's ethos and values before your interview. This way, you can show how your leadership style aligns with their approach to early years education. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the whole team!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've led a team or implemented engaging activities in your previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you showcase your experience effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about their approach to outdoor learning or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged right from the start. Let’s get you that Room Leader position!
We think you need these skills to ace Room Leader (Early Years) in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years:When writing your application, let your love for early years education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired children and supported their learning. We want to see your enthusiasm for nurturing young minds!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Room Leader role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for. It helps us see you as a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on your key achievements and experiences. This makes it easier for us to see your potential as a Room Leader.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit by Nature
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Brush up on how it influences play-based learning and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented it in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you inspire your team. Think of specific examples where you’ve mentored others or led a project, and be ready to share how you encourage creativity and reflective practice.
✨Build Relationships with Parents and Carers
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with parents and carers. Have examples ready that show how you’ve built strong relationships and supported families in their child’s development.
✨Emphasise Outdoor Learning
Since outdoor exploration is key in this role, come prepared with ideas for engaging outdoor activities. Discuss how you’ve incorporated nature into learning experiences and how it benefits children’s development.
