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- Tasks: Lead a room in our vibrant nursery, ensuring high-quality care and education for young children.
- Company: Valentine Primary School and Nursery, a diverse and welcoming community in Southampton.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time position with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a creative and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Level 3 Early Years practitioner with leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to nurturing the next generation.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
GRADE: Grade 6
HOURS: 37 per week
CONTRACTURAL ARRANGEMENTS: Permanent Full Time (52 weeks)
START DATE: March / April 2026
RESPONSIBLE TO: Nursery Phase Leader for EYFS (Teacher-In-Charge)
We are looking to appoint an exceptional candidate and qualified childcare level 3 professional with the responsibility for the day to day running of their room. They perform an important role caring for children, maintaining a high quality, stimulating learning environment, supervising staff and imparting their knowledge and skills to others. They are creative and reflective leaders able to implement new ideas and use a range of strategies to continually improve practice and support the management team.
In November 2025 we opened our new Preschool and Nursery at Valentine School catering to pupils aged from 6 months to 4 years old. The setting has a teacher-in-charge and Nursery lead whose roles are to facilitate high-quality teaching and learning planning and to support the team in delivering our goals and objectives.
About Our School
We are a large (three-form-entry) primary school and nursery situated in the city of Southampton serving a diverse community. We are led by an Executive Headteacher and a large leadership team that incorporates our staff from our 2 sister schools in the city.
Core Duties
The Room Leader will work as a key person and is responsible for providing safe, high-quality education and care for pre-school children. They are expected to lead and manage room staff on a day-to-day basis and to implement the Nursery's policies.
General Role Functions
- Support the running of a room/age group within the nursery.
- Plan for the room/age group (in collaboration with the Nursery team); track the assessment of the children; deal with issues that may arise; and ensure the routines and expectations are carried out.
- Work closely with the manager and room leader.
- Interact, supervise and keep the children safe and happy as well as supporting the nursery team in the day to day running of the nursery.
- Have a key worker group with responsibility of their learning and assessments e.g. learning journey observations and next steps as well as supporting all other children in the nursery.
- Adhere to the policies and procedures at Mason Moor Primary School and work within the Child protection act, current Keeping Children Safe in Education, health and safety legislation and within the guidelines of Ofsted and National Standards.
- To work as part of a team and support members of staff and children in the nursery.
- You will share the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of the children.
Detailed Responsibilities And Duties
Academic and Pastoral Care
Under the direction of the Early Years Foundation Lead and The Head of Nursery, take responsibility for drawing up curriculum plans which take into account the needs of the children.
Level 3 Early Years practitioner - Valentine Primary School and Nursery in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 Early Years practitioner - Valentine Primary School and Nursery in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online 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
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience and creative ideas for engaging children. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your passion and expertise in early years education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Level 3 Early Years Practitioner. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our fantastic team at Valentine Primary School and Nursery!
We think you need these skills to ace Level 3 Early Years practitioner - Valentine Primary School and Nursery in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your love for nurturing and educating little ones, as this will resonate with us at Valentine Primary School and Nursery.
Tailor Your Application to the Role: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in managing a room, planning engaging activities, and supporting staff, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically, making it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application reaches us directly and allows you to follow up easily. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the specific policies of Valentine Primary School and Nursery. Brush up on your knowledge about child development and how to create a stimulating learning environment, as this will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Room Leader, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage staff effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or implemented new ideas. Be ready to discuss how you can support and inspire your colleagues.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage with the interviewers! Ask them about their vision for the nursery and how they see the role of the Room Leader contributing to that. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and the school’s goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about potential issues that could arise in a nursery setting and how you would address them. This will help you showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
