BABY ROOM LEAD

Dukes Education Group; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Sancton Wood Nursery is seeking a passionate Baby Room Lead to manage the day-to-day operations of the baby room, ensuring a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where little ones can flourish.

You will supervise and inspire a small team, collaborate with families and the wider nursery leadership, and ensure high standards of safeguarding and development in line with EYFS. The role also includes planning activities, tracking development and preparation for Ofsted readiness.

Qualifications

• Level 3 EYFS or equivalent is essential.
• Experience with 1–2 year olds is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the baby room, ensuring outstanding care and education.
• Supervise, support and inspire your team, creating a positive and collaborative culture.
• Contribute to the wider nursery leadership team and deputise for management when required.
• Champion safeguarding and ensure concerns are identified, recorded and reported appropriately.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment that promotes wellbeing and development.
• Plan and deliver high-quality activities in line with EYFS and individual needs.
• Observe and track development, maintaining learning records.
• Build relationships with children and families and communicate progress.
• Oversee feeding, sleep, hygiene routines and health & safety compliance.
• Support readiness for Ofsted inspections and continuous improvement.

Skills

Team leadership

Safeguarding

Observation records

Education

Level 3 EYFS

Job description

At Sancton Wood Nursery, we believe the earliest years are some of the most important — and we’re looking for a passionate Baby Room Lead to help make every one of them count.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our nursery leadership team, leading the day-to‑day operation of our baby room and creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where little ones can flourish.

You’ll bring warmth, curiosity and confidence to everything you do — from responsive interactions and engaging activities to exceptional care routines and meaningful partnerships with families.

A NURSERY WHERE CHILDREN COME FIRST

Our newly refurbished nursery is a welcoming, family-friendly environment supporting children aged 12 months to 4 years.

We’re conveniently located just 2 minutes’ walk from Cambridge Station, with free on‑site car parking and bike parking.

And when it’s time to head outdoors, our magical garden becomes a world of discovery — with:

• Forest School session
• A large climbing frame
• A water pump
• A sandpit
• Space to explore, create and grow

We’re proud of our outstanding approach to supporting every child’s social and emotional development.

Our year

We operate 48 weeks a year, closing at Christmas, Easter and for two weeks in August.

Staff also receive an additional 5 days’ holiday, plus public holidays that fall outside nursery closure periods.

YOUR ROLE

As Baby Room Lead, you will:

• Lead the day‑to‑day running of the baby room, ensuring outstanding care and education
• Supervise, support and inspire your team, creating a positive and collaborative culture
• Contribute to the wider nursery leadership team and deputise for management when required
• Champion a strong culture of safeguarding and ensure concerns are identified, recorded and reported appropriately
• Create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes children’s wellbeing and development
• Plan and deliver high-quality, age‑appropriate activities in line with the EYFS framework and individual needs
• Observe, assess and track children’s development, maintaining accurate learning records
• Take key person responsibility and build meaningful relationships with children and families
• Oversee feeding, sleep, nappy changing, toileting and hygiene routines to an exceptional standard
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety and statutory requirements
• Monitor quality of practice and support continuous improvement, including readiness for Ofsted inspections
• Lead staff development through supervision, coaching, mentoring and performance management
• Support induction and ongoing training, identifying development needs
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure systems and records meet regulatory and organisational requirements
• Communicate effectively with parents, sharing regular updates on children’s progress and wellbeing
• Act as an ambassador for the nursery, building positive relationships with families and the local community

IS THIS YOU?

You’ll need:

• Level 3 (or equivalent) in EYFS or above — Essential
• Experience working with children aged 1–2 years — Essential