Job Description: Deputy Room Leader – Toddler Room
Location: Nature's Little Learners Hornbeam Park Reports to: Room Leader / Nursery Manager Contract Type: Full-time
Role Purpose
The Deputy Room Leader will work closely alongside the Room Leader to ensure the smooth running of the toddler room. Toddlers are split into two groups: the Deputy Room Leader will lead one group and the Room Leader will lead the other, following the same planning and routines.
When the Room Leader is present, the Deputy Room Leader must support and follow their guidance while still taking responsibility for their own group and daily duties. When the Room Leader is absent, the Deputy Room Leader will assume full responsibility for the whole toddler room, ensuring the day runs smoothly and that high standards of care, education, and safeguarding are maintained.
Main Duties and Responsibilities1. Safeguarding
* Complete all mandatory safeguarding training as directed by management.
* Know how to respond appropriately to a child making a disclosure.
* Follow gate entry procedures at all times.
* Be vigilant in protecting children from harm or abuse, reporting concerns immediately in line with child protection and whistleblowing policies.
* Ensure all safeguarding procedures are consistently followed in accordance with local authority and company policies.
* Act as safeguarding lead for the room in the absence of the Room Leader.
2. Children
* Complete All About Me questionnaires with parents prior to children starting.
* Undertake key worker responsibilities, including planning and delivering activities that support individual children's development across all areas of learning.
* Maintain up-to-date next steps for key children and monitor their progress.
* Build positive, respectful, and warm relationships with children through meaningful interactions.
* Support children's personal hygiene, health, safety, and emotional well-being.
* Provide and maintain a safe, stimulating, and inclusive child-centred environment.
* Assume responsibility for all children in your group, and for the whole room when leading in the Room Leader's absence.
3. Parents and Carers
* Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and carers through daily handovers, communication, and involvement in their child's learning journey.
* Support induction and transition processes for children and families.
* Participate in parent meetings, provide feedback, and respond promptly to enquiries or concerns.
* Represent the toddler room with professionalism when the Room Leader is absent.
4. Teamwork
* Work collaboratively with the Room Leader, ensuring consistency of planning and provision across both groups.
* Follow the Room Leader's guidance and direction when they are present.
* Support colleagues and assist with the smooth running of the nursery when required.
* Communicate effectively and reflect daily on practice to support continuous improvement.
* Contribute to creating a purposeful and stimulating environment, indoors and outdoors.
* Support the professional development of staff by sharing knowledge, leading meetings or inductions (with manager support), and providing constructive feedback.
* Respect and value colleagues, parents, and children, fostering a positive and inclusive working environment.
* Take on the role of team lead in the toddler room during the Room Leader's absence, deploying staff and ensuring routines run effectively.
5. Positive Relationships
* Lead by example as a professional role model.
* Promote positive relationships with all children, families, and colleagues.
* Represent and promote the ethos of Nature's Little Learners in all interactions.
* Provide stability and leadership to the toddler room team when the Room Leader is away.
6. Policies and Procedures
* Adhere to and reinforce nursery policies and procedures at all times.
* Ensure a thorough understanding of health and safety, completing risk assessments and daily checks.
* Maintain confidentiality at all times.
* Support the nursery in meeting and exceeding Ofsted and EYFS standards.
* Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all children.
* Uphold and promote safeguarding and welfare procedures at all times, acting as the main point of contact for the toddler room when the Room Leader is absent.
7. Observations and Assessment
* Ensure timely and high-quality completion of key children's observations, assessments, and focus weeks.
* Oversee the quality of observations uploaded by other staff within the group.
* Complete two-year progress checks within six weeks of a child's second birthday.
* Ensure leavers' reports are completed to a high standard and on time.
* Take responsibility for ensuring assessment deadlines are met across the toddler room during the Room Leader's absence.
* Use the Famly app consistently throughout the day to record observations, assessments, parent communication, and any required updates.
8. General Duties
* Maintain daily records including registers, diaries, accident forms, and Famly app entries.
* Monitor and maintain toys, resources, and equipment, ensuring safety and cleanliness.
* Support daily routines, including meals, toileting, and hygiene practices.
* Carry out headcounts and ensure ratios are maintained at all times.
* Deploy staff and resources effectively within your group, and for the whole room in the Room Leader's absence.
* Carry out peer observations of staff within your group.
* Attend staff meetings, training, and CPD opportunities.
* Support planning and provision to ensure activities are age-appropriate, curiosity-led, and engaging.
* Be flexible, undertaking additional duties as required (e.g., domestic jobs, cooking, covering staff absences).
* Ensure smooth daily running of the room when the Room Leader is absent, reporting directly to management if issues arise.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, EYFS, and Ofsted requirements.
* Experience working with toddlers in an early years setting.
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
* Ability to take initiative and lead a small team.
* Organisational and observation skills.
* Confidence to take charge of the room in the Room Leader's absence.
Desirible:
* Previous experience as a Room Leader or Deputy.
* Experience using the Famly app.
* Paediatric First Aid certificate.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £28,600.00 per year
Benefits:
* Bereavement leave
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Harrogate HG2 8PB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person