Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join our vibrant school nursery as a Room Leader. The successful candidate will lead high‑quality provision within the nursery room, ensuring a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. We are committed to supporting continuing professional development and possible progression towards a Level 5 Early Years qualification.
Key Responsibilities
* Leadership & Team Management
o Work alongside and under the strategic direction of the EYFS lead.
o Lead the daily running of the nursery room, ensuring a calm, purposeful, child‑centred environment.
o Provide clear direction, delegation and role clarity for staff.
o Model a supportive, approachable and professional leadership style.
o Build a positive team culture based on respect, trust and shared vision.
o Identify staff strengths and training needs through observation and supervision.
o Support conflict resolution and promote positive working relationships.
o Facilitate reflective practice and continuous improvement.
o Lead room meetings and contribute to whole‑school EYFS development.
* Teaching, Learning & Curriculum
o Plan, deliver and evaluate high‑quality learning experiences aligned with the EYFS.
o Embed the Characteristics of Effective Learning into daily practice.
o Promote sustained shared thinking, problem‑solving and independence.
o Use open‑ended questioning, modelling and high‑quality interactions.
o Ensure the environment (indoors and outdoors) is rich, stimulating and well‑organised.
o Act as a key person for a group of children, completing observations, assessments and next steps.
o Ensure inclusive practice and adapt provision for SEND pupils.
* Send & Inclusion
o Work closely with families and the SENDCo to support children with SEND.
o Contribute to One Plans, Support Plans, EHCP processes and Early Help assessments.
o Make reasonable adjustments to routines, activities and the environment.
o Ensure staff attend relevant SEND training and implement strategies consistently.
o Liaise with external agencies and specialists.
* Safeguarding, Welfare & Health and Safety
o Record and report injuries or concerns following safeguarding procedures.
o Work closely with the DSL and follow statutory guidance.
o Maintain accurate records and escalating concerns appropriately.
o Ensure all staff understand and implement safeguarding policies.
o Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety and risk assessment.
o Ensure all statutory requirements, including ratios and registration conditions, are met.
* Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
o Carry out regular observations of practice and environment audits.
o Develop action plans to improve quality and monitor progress.
o Review practice in line with policies and procedures.
o Ensure resources and activities are varied, purposeful and high‑quality.
o Link staff targets to supervision and appraisal processes.
o Monitor progress and individual performance with regular feedback.
* Parent & Community Partnerships
o Build strong, positive relationships with parents and carers.
o Provide regular updates on children's progress and wellbeing.
o Support transition processes into Nursery, Reception and beyond.
o Represent the nursery professionally at events, tours and meetings.
* Professional Development & Sector Awareness
o Keep knowledge current regarding EYFS reforms, Ofsted updates, legislation and funding.
o Engage in meetings and ongoing CPD and share learning with the team.
o Attend training and disseminate best practice across the setting.
o Comply with policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, child protection, equal opportunities, health, safety, security, confidentiality, data protection and reporting concerns to an appropriate person.
o Be aware of and support differences to ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
o Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and work of the school while respecting confidentiality at all times.
o Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies and professionals in liaison with the teacher to support achievement and progress of pupils.
o Take on other activities consistent with the nature of the job at the discretion of the Headteacher.
Qualifications
* Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
* Strong knowledge of the EYFS, child development and safeguarding.
* Experience working in an early years setting, ideally with leadership responsibilities.
* Excellent communication skills with children, families and colleagues.
* Ability to lead a team with confidence, empathy and professionalism.
* Strong observational skills for assessing children and evaluating staff practice.
* Approachable and able to manage conflict professionally and constructively.
* Commitment to inclusive practice and high‑quality early education.
* Excellent time‑management and organisational skills.
* Commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, equality and confidentiality.
* Ability to reflect on practice and drive continuous improvement.
* Paediatric First Aid.
Desirable
* Experience in a school‑based nursery.
* Experience contributing to SEND support plans or Early Help.
* Knowledge of 'Birth to Five' assessment.
* Working knowledge of 'Tapestry' software.
* Level 4 / 5 Early Years qualification or willingness to work towards it.
* Experience leading staff meetings or training sessions.
Benefits
* Wonderful children who are eager to learn.
* A dedicated, supportive and motivated staff team.
* A forward‑thinking, inclusive school community.
* Supports and promotes the Catholic ethos and values of the school (applications from non‑Catholics who support the ethos are warmly welcomed).
Additional Information
* Salary: National Joint Council Point 5 (£21,589.27) – paid 44 weeks per year.
* Contract: Full‑time, Monday to Friday, permanent, term‑time only.
* Hours: 37 hours per week – four days 7:30 am–3:30 pm and one day 7:30 am–3:00 pm (30‑minute unpaid lunch break daily).
* Additional Room Leader Responsibility: Fixed‑term (reviewed annually); details discussed at interview (NJC Point 12–14).
* All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people, and all positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
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