Nursery Practitioner (Room Leader)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: Competitive with excellent benefits
The role
Due to the continued growth of our Outstanding Nursery, we are delighted to be expanding our team and are seeking a warm, enthusiastic and supportive Room Leader to join our welcoming early years community. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is passionate about supporting young children’s development and creating a calm, stimulating environment where every child feels safe, valued and encouraged to learn.
As Room Leader, you will play a key role in supporting and guiding your team to deliver high-quality care and engaging learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Working closely with colleagues, parents and the Nursery Manager, you will help to create a positive, well-organised and inclusive room where children can thrive and staff feel confident, supported and valued in their roles.
Working Pattern
This role is available either on a condensed 4-day working week or a 5-day working pattern (40 hours per week). We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements with the right candidate.
About you
We are looking for a caring, reliable and positive practitioner who enjoys working as part of a close and supportive team. The successful candidate will have a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), strong communication skills, and the confidence to guide others in a calm and encouraging way. You will be someone who builds strong relationships with children, parents and colleagues, takes pride in creating a well-organised and nurturing environment, and is committed to helping every child feel secure, happy and ready to learn.
Why join St Gabriel’s:
St Gabriel’s is a thriving co-ed independent school founded in 1929, which incorporates St Gabriel’s Nursery, our EYFS provision. Sandleford Priory dates back to the early Middle Ages and is set in a beautiful Grade 1 listed building within 33 acres of Capability Brown parkland, which provides a gracious setting in which to work.
As an employer, we are committed to providing a positive, supportive, and inclusive working environment where people are recognised and rewarded for their contribution. We believe in creating the conditions for colleagues to do their best work, with professional opportunities to grow, and a strong sense of community. Our location in Newbury makes the school accessible by good transport links, with the added convenience of free on-site parking.
In addition to a competitive salary, staff enjoy a range of benefits including:
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Complementary lunches and refreshments when the kitchens are open (50 weeks a year)
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Concession days including an annual Christmas closure
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A day off for your birthday!
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An annual birthday bonus upon successful completion of your probationary period
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A generous, enhanced pension scheme
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Access to an extensive discounts platform
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24/7 online GP and nurse practitioner support
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Free annual flu jab
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Ultimate Activity Club discounts for children
How to apply
For further details and to apply for the role please click the apply button.
Closing date: 9:00 am on 10 April 2026.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may be arranged before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.
St Gabriel’s School values diversity, promotes equality, and is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service