Nursery Room Leader (Maternity Cover from May 2026)

Nursery Room Leader (Maternity Cover from May 2026)

Full-Time 24800 - 30900 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a nursery classroom, ensuring children's welfare and supporting their development.
  • Company: St Andrew’s Prep, a nurturing environment for young learners.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, life assurance, and access to facilities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 early years qualification and experience with children under 24 months.
  • Other info: Full-time maternity cover from May 2026 with great growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 24800 - 30900 £ per year.

St Andrew’s Prep is looking to recruit a Nursery Room Leader to be responsible for classroom management and for the welfare of all the children in the Nursery and to support their learning, and personal, social, and emotional development. We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual who has full and relevant level 3 or above early years experience within an Early Years setting and a good working knowledge of the statutory framework for the EYFS.

Person Specification

  • Experience in similar work in a similar environment
  • Must have suitable experience in working with children aged under 24 months
  • Must have full and relevant level 3 or above early years qualification and a good working knowledge of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
  • NNEB
  • NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care and Education
  • NVQ Level 3 Early Years Educator
  • NVQ Level 3 Children and Young People’s Workforce
  • Diploma in Early Years
  • BTech in Early Years
  • GCSEs in English and Mathematics, Grade C or above, or equivalent
  • Good knowledge of EYFS and Early Years practice
  • SEND experience or experience with individual needs

Terms and Conditions

  • Salary: £28,933 annual salary
  • Hours of Work: Full-time, maternity cover from May 2026 for one year
  • Other Benefits: Free meals during working hours when the dining hall is open, Life Assurance, Free use of Charity facilities including pool and gym, Free tickets to College productions, Access to SPARKS App where you can book virtual GP and physio appointments for yourself and your immediate family, Staff car park

Application Process

To apply, please visit the URL https://www.standrewsprep.co.uk/contact/employment-opportunities/ and click the Apply Now button to complete the mandatory application form. An up-to-date CV and covering letter may be uploaded with this online application form.

Closing Date: Friday 20 February 2026. Early applications are encouraged. Applications will be considered upon receipt, and we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy.

For further information please contact Human Resources Department on hr@eastbourne-college.co.uk or tel: 01323 452288.

Nursery Room Leader (Maternity Cover from May 2026) employer: The Independent Schools Council

St Andrew’s Prep is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for its staff and children alike. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from access to free facilities, life assurance, and a range of wellness initiatives, all while working in a vibrant community dedicated to fostering the growth and learning of young minds. Located in a picturesque setting, this role not only provides meaningful work but also the opportunity to be part of a collaborative team that values each member's contributions.
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Contact Detail:

The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Nursery Room Leader (Maternity Cover from May 2026)

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the nursery's ethos and values before your interview. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare some examples from your past experience that highlight your skills in classroom management and child welfare. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in similar roles!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! It shows your enthusiasm and helps you figure out if the nursery is the right fit for you.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick, easy, and ensures your application gets to the right people without any hassle!

We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Room Leader (Maternity Cover from May 2026)

Classroom Management
Welfare of Children
Personal Development Support
Social Development Support
Emotional Development Support
Early Years Qualification (Level 3 or above)
Knowledge of EYFS Statutory Framework
Experience with Children under 24 Months
SEND Experience
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about supporting their learning and development.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in early years settings, especially with children under 24 months. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Nursery Room Leader position. Share specific examples of your experience and how you meet the requirements outlined in the job description.

Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we review them on a rolling basis. Head over to our website and hit that Apply Now button to get started!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council

✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied this knowledge in your previous roles, especially when it comes to supporting children's learning and development.

✨Showcase Your Experience with Young Children

Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with children under 24 months. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as any SEND experience you might have.

✨Demonstrate Your Classroom Management Skills

Be ready to talk about your approach to classroom management. Share strategies you’ve used to create a positive learning environment and how you handle different situations with children, ensuring their welfare and emotional development.

✨Bring Enthusiasm and Energy

St Andrew’s Prep is looking for a dynamic individual, so let your passion for early years education shine through. Show your enthusiasm for working with children and how you can contribute to their personal and social development.

Nursery Room Leader (Maternity Cover from May 2026)
The Independent Schools Council

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