At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic nursery team and ensure high-quality care for children aged 2-4.
- Company: St Anthony's School for Boys, a thriving and well-resourced educational environment.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape Early Years education and work in a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to nurturing young minds in a safe and engaging environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career in education.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in a preschool setting with strong knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
St Anthony's seeks to appoint an experienced, enthusiastic and well qualified Senior Room Lead, who will take up post on 1 September 2026. St Anthony's School for Boys consists of a co‑ed nursery for children aged 2‑4, and Reception to Year 8 comprising boys only. The school opened the nursery in September 2023 and it has proved to be extremely popular with local families. The nursery now numbers over fifty pupils and there are plans to expand by a further twenty, which will necessitate renovations and extensions to classroom space. The nursery has benefited from significant investment and educational resources and facilities deemed first class. The role would appeal to a successful practitioner, with excellent pedagogic understanding. Currently, there are eight full‑time nursery practitioners and two full‑time teaching assistants. The Senior Room Lead will work closely with the Deputy Head (Pre‑Prep) as well as the wider senior leadership team. The successful candidate will have vision and drive and, perhaps most importantly, be a team player. Applications are welcome from current Room Leads/Lead Practitioners. Familiarity with the Independent sector would be helpful but not essential. St Anthony's is a Catholic school and whilst there is no requirement for applicants to be practising Catholics it is important that the successful candidate is aligned with the school's ethos. The school is academically successful and standards are high. It is a lovely place to work and this position offers the right person the opportunity to take Early Years provision, which is already high, to the next level.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To work collaboratively with the Head of Pre‑Prep
- To support in the overall day‑to‑day running of the Nursery
- To deliver and ensure a high standard of learning, development and care for children aged 2‑4 years
- To ensure the Nursery is a safe environment for children, staff and others
- To develop partnerships with parents/carers to increase involvement in their child's development
- To lead on the administration side of the Nursery, including maintaining accurate records
- To ensure the monitoring of progress and trackers of all children in the Nursery
- To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed, in accordance with the school aims and objectives
IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE
- A minimum of 3 years recent experience, working in a Preschool/Nursery setting, already in a senior practitioner or room leader role
- Excellent working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and current Ofsted/ISI statutory guidance
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or equivalent
- Empathy and understanding of children under five
- Excellent verbal and communication skills
- Ability to write reports and keep clear and accurate records
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre‑employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
Senior Early Years Room Lead employer: St Anthony’s School for Boys
Contact Detail:
St Anthony’s School for Boys Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Room Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who know St Anthony's. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's ethos and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, especially when it comes to nurturing young minds in a Catholic environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your A-game to the interview! Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams and enhancing early years provision. We want to see your passion for creating a safe and engaging learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Room Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. We want to see your genuine love for working with children and how you can contribute to our vibrant nursery environment.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in preschool or nursery settings. We’re looking for someone who has been in a senior role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership skills and achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language to explain your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we want to understand your journey without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at St Anthony's.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Anthony’s School for Boys
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage and current Ofsted/ISI guidance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about providing high-quality education for young children.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Senior Room Lead, you'll need to work closely with the Deputy Head and other staff. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Highlight your ability to lead a team while also being a supportive colleague.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
St Anthony's is a Catholic school, so it's important to demonstrate alignment with their ethos. Even if you're not a practising Catholic, think about how your values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life situations you might face in the nursery. Think through scenarios involving child development, safety, and parent partnerships. Having specific examples ready will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the day-to-day challenges of the role.