_Location: Crawley, West Sussex_
_Salary: £28,000 to £36,000 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 *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:*
* Lead and manage a room team to deliver outstanding childcare
* 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 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 £36,000 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!
#INDHO
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £28,000.00-£36,000.00 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
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