At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to nurture and educate children up to five years old.
- Company: Join Tops Day Nurseries, a leading childcare provider in South England since 1990.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £700 welcome bonus, flexible hours, and up to 60% off childcare.
- Why this job: Be part of a certified World’s Happiest Workplace with a focus on well-being and career growth.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Access exclusive discounts and enjoy free meals while working in a vibrant nursery environment.
Overview
- Location: Wimborne, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Job type: Full Time Permanent
- Salary: £15.30 Hour
- Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week
About Tops Day Nurseries
At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co-owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.
With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.
We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).
About The Role
Our Room Leader looks after the educational and social development of babies and young children up to the age of five. Their primary duties include providing children with a safe environment to learn, helping them to develop basic social and behavioural skills and engaging them in age-appropriate play activities.
Other locations
We also have the same role available in the following locations:
- Corfe Mullen
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.
- £700 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey with us
- Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply) Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
- Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
- A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!
As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website.
What does the role involve?
- Manage and support the team of childcare workers and educators in the room.
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities to staff, ensuring a smooth workflow.
- Mentor and train staff to ensure high standards of care and education are maintained.
- Plan and deliver age-appropriate learning activities that support the developmental needs of the children.
- Organize a daily routine that balances learning, play, and rest.
- Create stimulating environments with engaging activities that encourage children’s curiosity and development.
- Ensure individual learning plans are developed to meet the needs of each child.
- Ensure the room is always well-organized and that all resources are available and used effectively.
- Set up activities and create displays that reflect the children\’s work and progress.
What are we looking for?
- Early Years qualification (Level 3 or higher) in childcare.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Experience working in an early years setting.
- Good communication skills, both with children and adults.
Important Safeguarding Information
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
- Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children’s Barred List.
- Successfully complete background and reference checks.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Apply Now
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries
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Nursery Room Leader employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Room Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific values and culture of Tops Day Nurseries. Understanding their commitment to employee well-being and development will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in early years settings. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed teams, delegated tasks, and mentored staff to maintain high standards of care and education.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity in planning age-appropriate learning activities. Think of innovative ideas that engage children and promote their development, as this will resonate well with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would create a stimulating environment for children. Consider how you can incorporate extra-curricular activities like yoga or cooking into your daily routine to enhance children's learning experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Room Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in early years education and leadership. Emphasise any qualifications, such as your Level 3 childcare qualification, and include specific examples of how you've supported children's development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for early years education and your understanding of the role. Mention why you want to work at Tops Day Nurseries specifically, and how your values align with their commitment to employee well-being and child development.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored a team in a childcare setting. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to create engaging learning environments for children.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young children. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in previous roles, and discuss your understanding of their developmental needs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Nursery Room Leader, you'll be managing a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, including how you handle challenges and support staff development.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about scenarios you might face in the nursery, such as managing conflicts between children or adapting activities for different learning needs, and how you would approach them.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Nursery's Values
Research Tops Day Nurseries and understand their commitment to employee well-being and child development. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their positive workplace culture.