Montessori Room Leader
Full-time
• Permanent
• Preferred start: November 2025 (flexible)
Little Ducklings Nurseries offers a unique early-years programme for children under 5, blending Montessori teaching, multi-language learning, and rich outdoor experiences (Forest School, gardening and sport). Setting in a beautiful park and a warm, professional team, we're an inspiring place for children—and for educators who want to do their best work. Learn more at
We're now seeking a Montessori-trained, experienced practitioner with team leadership experience to lead one of our rooms. For the right person, there will be the opportunity to "act up" as Deputy Manager for a defined 12-month period in the future. We're investing for the long term, so we're looking for someone who wants to grow with us.
Why join us
* Environment: Exceptional indoor atelier spaces and extensive outdoor areas offering boundless opportunities for creative, child-led learning.
* Team: Friendly, highly professional, and collaborative colleagues who value calm, compassionate, forward-thinking practice.
* Development: Funded CPD, coaching and mentoring; opportunities to deepen your Montessori and leadership expertise.
* Package: Competitive salary (DOE), bonus scheme, accrued holiday, nutritious staff lunches, and training.
Your role
* Classroom preparation: Establish and maintain a high-quality Montessori environment.
* Key Person: Champion the learning and welfare of your key children; build strong relationships with families; lead parent meetings; keep records, assessments and reports up to date using our online EYFS platform.
* Team collaboration & leadership: Plan with colleagues so Montessori principles align with our curriculum goals; model best practice; support inductions; mentor practitioners; lead briefings and contribute to rotas and ratios.
* Lesson planning & evaluation: Deliver and evaluate daily learning tailored to each child's needs; observe, document and reflect to drive continuous improvement.
* Training & compliance: Attend required training; uphold policies and procedures; contribute to internal audits and quality improvement plans.
* Safeguarding & wellbeing: Be a role model for safe, inclusive practice; promote children's voice, independence and emotional regulation.
* Curriculum creativity: Design meaningful, hands-on activities that integrate indoor/outdoor learning, nature, and other areas of learning.
About you
* Montessori qualified (e.g., Diploma/AMI/MCI/MMI or equivalent) with solid classroom experience in a Montessori setting.
* EYFS confident: Strong knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework, inclusive practice and effective assessment.
* Leader-mentor: Recent experience as a Room Leader / Senior Practitioner; able to coach others, give clear feedback and lift team performance.
* Organised & composed: Excellent time management and problem-solving; calm under pressure; solutions-focused.
* Great communicator: Warm, professional written and verbal communication; able to contribute to weekly parent updates/newsletters.
* Outdoor-minded: You embrace Forest School principles and adapt plans gracefully to the great British weather.
* Nice to have: Forest School training, first-aid, SEN experience, or additional languages.
Safeguarding & right to work
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, reference checks and right-to-work in the UK.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £32,500.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Childcare
* Company events
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee mentoring programme
* On-site parking
* Private medical insurance
* Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Twickenham TW1 2NL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
* Montessori teaching: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Montessori qualification (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person