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- Tasks: Lead a team to nurture and educate children up to five years old.
- Company: Join Tops Day Nurseries, a top-rated childcare provider in South England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a ÂŁ700 welcome bonus, flexible hours, and 30 days off annually!
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values well-being and career growth.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and leadership skills.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role with a fixed-term contract.
NURSERY ROOM LEADER - Maternity cover
Location: Tops Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset
Pay rate: Up to ÂŁ15.30 per hour
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week / Full time / Fixed term contract / Maternity Cover
“Staff well-being is valued and nurtured. The provider offers staff opportunities to celebrate their achievements and contributions. These include staff nominations on the 'Each Person Scheme' and special award nights to recognise both individual and nursery achievements.” - OFSTED recent feedback
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
- £700 Welcome Bonus: We’re excited to have you join us and want to start things off with a warm welcome!
- Relocation Package: Receive up to ÂŁ3000 to help make your move as smooth as possible.
- Annual Bonus Scheme: As an Employee-Owned Company, you’ll share in our success. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.
- Childcare Discount: Enjoy up to 60% off childcare within Tops Day Nurseries, making it easier for you to balance work and family life.
- Flexible Working Options: Make the Most of Your Time Off with Compressed Hours. By working compressed hours, you could gain up to 48 extra days off per year. Alternatively, if you work nine days over a two-week period, you’ll receive up to 24 additional days off annually. And that’s in addition to your standard holiday allowance!
- Proud to be a World’s Happiest Workplace: Tops Day Nurseries has been officially certified as a World’s Happiest Workplace for 2025, recognising our commitment to employee well-being, career growth, and a positive workplace culture.
- Holiday Allowance: You’ll receive 28 days of annual leave each year to relax and spend time doing what you love. Additionally, you’ll receive 2 extra days: one to celebrate your birthday or another day that’s special to you, and a Wellbeing Day, just for you.
- Free meals: Our nurseries provide free breakfast to our colleagues as part of our commitment to supporting your well-being.
- Employee Recognition: Access to the Blue Light Card, offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.
- Health and Wellbeing Support: We’ve got you covered with NHS Prescription Charges, Optical Care, and Dental Treatment.
- Career Development: We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement.
- Travel and Parking Season Ticket loan: Borrow up to ÂŁ500 interest-free and spread the expense easily.
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.
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 organizational skills.
- Experience working in an early years setting.
- Good communication skills, both with children and adults.
Why Tops Day Nurseries?
We are a leading early education and childcare provider in South England, established in 1990. We promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility by educating today’s children to influence future generations. We value respect, open communication, and teamwork, fostering a positive, purpose-driven work environment.
As an Employee-Owned Company, our colleagues are co-owners, benefiting from the company’s growth through annual profit-sharing bonuses. We’re also proud to rank 9th in the 2024 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK, offering career development from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships to Nursery Manager or Early Years Teacher.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks. This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Children’s Barred List.
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 educational philosophies and practices of Tops Day Nurseries. Understanding their approach to early years education will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to their values.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Tops Day Nurseries. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. As a Nursery Room Leader, showcasing your ability to mentor and support staff will be crucial, so think of specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends and best practices in early years education. Being knowledgeable about current developments will not only impress during interviews but also show your dedication to continuous professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Room Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights 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 managed teams or developed children's learning.
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 staff well-being and child development.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of your leadership and organisational skills. Discuss how you've mentored staff or created engaging learning environments, as these are key aspects of the Nursery Room Leader role.
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 childcare setting.
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 highlight any creative activities you've implemented that support their development.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Nursery Room Leader, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams, delegating tasks, and mentoring staff. Use examples to illustrate how you've successfully led a team in an early years setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about scenarios you might face in the nursery, such as managing conflicts between children or addressing a parent's concerns, and prepare your responses.
✨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.
