Job Description: Deputy Room Leader – Pre-School 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 with the Pre-School Room Leader to ensure the smooth daily running of the pre-school room. The room is organised into groups, with the Deputy Room Leader taking responsibility for leading one group while the Room Leader leads the other, ensuring consistency in planning, learning opportunities, and routines.
When the Room Leader is present, the Deputy Room Leader must follow their direction and support their leadership, while still taking ownership of their own group and allocated duties. In the absence of the Room Leader, the Deputy Room Leader will assume full responsibility for the pre-school room, maintaining high standards of care, education, and safeguarding, and ensuring the day runs effectively.
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 and security procedures at all times.
* Remain vigilant in protecting children from harm or abuse, reporting concerns in line with child protection and whistleblowing policies.
* Consistently follow safeguarding procedures in line with local authority and company policies.
* Act as safeguarding lead for the room when the Room Leader is absent.
2. Children
* Carry out "All About Me" questionnaires with parents prior to children starting.
* Take on key worker responsibilities, including planning and delivering activities that support each child's individual development across the EYFS.
* Keep up-to-date records of next steps for key children and monitor their progress regularly.
* Foster warm, respectful, and positive relationships with children through quality interactions.
* Promote children's independence, self-care, and school readiness while supporting their health, safety, and emotional well-being.
* Provide a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment that reflects children's interests and curiosities.
* Take responsibility for your group at all times, and for the whole pre-school room when leading in the Room Leader's absence.
3. Parents and Carers
* Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with parents and carers through effective handovers and ongoing communication.
* Support smooth induction and transition processes for children and families.
* Take part in parent meetings, provide constructive feedback, and respond to enquiries or concerns promptly.
* Represent the pre-school room confidently and professionally in the absence of the Room Leader.
4. Teamwork
* Work collaboratively with the Room Leader to ensure consistent planning, routines, and high-quality provision across all groups.
* Follow the Room Leader's direction when they are present.
* Support colleagues and assist with the smooth running of the wider nursery when required.
* Communicate effectively, reflect on daily practice, and contribute to continuous improvement.
* Support the professional development of colleagues by sharing knowledge, mentoring, and offering constructive feedback.
* Take the lead in the pre-school room when the Room Leader is absent, including deploying staff effectively and ensuring routines are maintained.
5. Positive Relationships
* Act as a positive role model, leading by example at all times.
* Promote positive, respectful relationships with all children, families, and colleagues.
* Represent and uphold the ethos of Nature's Little Learners in all interactions.
* Provide consistency, guidance, and leadership for the pre-school team when the Room Leader is away.
6. Policies and Procedures
* Adhere to nursery policies and procedures at all times, ensuring these are embedded in daily practice.
* Ensure full understanding and compliance with health and safety policies, including completing risk assessments and daily checks.
* Maintain confidentiality at all times.
* Support the nursery in meeting and exceeding Ofsted and EYFS standards.
* Uphold safeguarding and welfare procedures, acting as the key point of contact in the room during the Room Leader's absence.
7. Observations and Assessment
* Complete timely and high-quality observations and assessments for key children.
* Oversee the quality of observations made by staff within your group.
* Complete statutory progress checks (e.g., two-year checks where applicable) and ensure reports for leavers are completed accurately and on time.
* Take responsibility for ensuring assessment and reporting deadlines are met across the pre-school room in the Room Leader's absence.
* Use the Famly app consistently throughout the day to record observations, parent communications, and updates.
8. General Duties
* Maintain daily records including registers, diaries, accident forms, and Famly entries.
* Monitor and maintain resources, ensuring equipment is safe, age-appropriate, and well-presented.
* Support daily routines, including mealtimes, toileting, and hygiene practices, encouraging independence wherever possible.
* Carry out regular headcounts and ensure ratios are always met.
* Deploy staff and resources effectively within your group, and across the room in the absence of the Room Leader.
* Undertake peer observations and contribute to staff performance monitoring.
* Attend meetings, training, and CPD opportunities.
* Support planning and delivery of a broad, curiosity-inspired curriculum that prepares children for school.
* Be flexible and willing to undertake additional tasks, such as domestic duties, cooking, or covering staff absences.
* Ensure smooth and effective running of the pre-school 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 pre-school-aged children in an early years setting.
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
* Ability to take initiative and lead a small team.
* Strong organisational, planning, and observation skills.
* Confidence to take charge of the room in the Room Leader's absence.
Desirable:
* 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