_Location: Horsham, West Sussex_ _Salary: £27,000 to £32,000 per year_ _Job Type: Full-time, Permanent_ Join Our Award-Winning Nursery Group! Little Barn Owls Nursery Group, based in West Sussex, was recently crowned *Nursery World’s 2024 Winner for Enabling Environments* — and we’re now hiring an enthusiastic *Deputy* *Room Leader* to join our team! This is a unique opportunity to work in a *Reggio Emilia-inspired*, Forest & Farm School setting that truly puts children, creativity, and nature first. What You'll Be Doing: As a Room Leader, you’ll lead a team of educators and guide daily learning experiences for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Your role will be hands-on, creative, and full of outdoor adventures. *Key Responsibilities:* * Support in leading and managing a room team to deliver outstanding childcare * Support to plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities * Support, mentor, and motivate your team members * Maintain a safe, nurturing, and well-organised environment * Build meaningful relationships with children and their families * Take on key person duties including documentation and observations * Reflect regularly to improve practices and outcomes * Work closely with leadership to meet and exceed EYFS standards What We're Looking For: * *Level 3 (or higher) childcare qualification* * Experience in an early years setting (leadership experience a bonus) * Sound knowledge of the *EYFS* and safeguarding procedures * A genuine passion for child development and outdoor learning * Positive, proactive mindset and excellent team spirit * Familiarity with the *Reggio Emilia approach* (training provided if not) Development & Training: All new Deputy Room Leaders are enrolled in our *in-house Training Academy* (after a 3-month induction), where you’ll complete a 12-module development programme supported by a mentor. You’ll also have opportunities for *international CPD*, artist collaboration, and leadership training. What We Offer: * *Up to £32,000 salary* * *80% childcare discount* * *All-expenses-paid international training trips* * *33 days annual leave* (incl. bank holidays) * Seasonal bonuses and long-service rewards * Employee wellbeing programme, EAP & cash health plan * Option to buy/sell annual leave * Staff social events, fun days, and meals out * Career progression within an award-winning group * Work with professional *Atelieristas* (artists) in beautiful creative studios Working Hours: * Monday to Friday, between 7:30am – 6:00pm * Full-time only (we do not currently offer term-time or school-hour roles) Important Info: * All applicants require an *Enhanced DBS check* and references * We are an *equal opportunities employer* and committed to safeguarding children and staff About Us: Little Barn Owls operates four unique and inspiring nurseries across West Sussex. We are proud of our *Reggio Emilia, forest school, and farm school influences*, with a strong focus on creativity, child-led exploration, and emotional wellbeing. _UK Nursery Group of the Year – Nursery World 2020_ _UK Nursery of the Year – Nursery World 2015_ *Apply Now* on Indeed and start your next big adventure with Little Barn Owls. We can’t wait to meet you! INDRL Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: £27,000.00-£32,000.00 per year Benefits: * Additional leave * Childcare * Company events * Company pension * Discounted or free food * Employee discount * Employee mentoring programme * Free parking * Health & wellbeing programme * On-site parking * Referral programme * Sick pay Schedule: * Day shift * Monday to Friday Application question(s): * Do you hold a Level 3 qualification in childcare? Experience: * Childcare: 2 years (preferred) Work authorisation: * United Kingdom (required) Work Location: In person