Deputy Nursery Room Leader – Exeter, Devon

Early Years Academy; Exeter; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Years Academy is seeking a Deputy Nursery Room Leader in Exeter, Devon, to support daily room operations and mentor staff. You will ensure high standards of childcare and contribute to planning engaging activities aligned with the EYFS.

The role offers leadership development and a collaborative nursery environment. A qualified childcare professional with EYFS expertise, strong communication, and safeguarding awareness is preferred.

Qualifications

• A recognised Early Years or childcare qualification suitable for the position, Level 3 or above preferred.
• Experience in nursery or Early Years setting.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging learning experiences.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Ability to support, guide and encourage nursery colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Support the Room Leader with daily organisation and smooth running of the nursery room.
• Mentor nursery practitioners and provide guidance.
• Cover the room when the Room Leader is absent, following nursery procedures.
• Provide high-quality childcare and early education for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
• Assist with planning and delivering age-appropriate learning experiences.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Leadership potential

Mentoring

Strong communication

Child safeguarding

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

DEPUTY NURSERY ROOM LEADER - EXETER, DEVON
Location: Exeter, Devon

Salary: To be confirmed, depending on qualifications and experience

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Room Leader / Senior Early Years Practitioner

Recruitment Agency: Early Years Academy

DEPUTY NURSERY ROOM LEADER JOB IN EXETER - EXCITING EARLY YEARS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Are you an experienced Nursery Practitioner or Senior Early Years Educator looking to take the next step in your childcare career?

Early Years Academy is recruiting a passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated Deputy Nursery Room Leader for a nursery in Exeter, Devon.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified childcare professional who enjoys supporting children's learning, mentoring colleagues and helping to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment.

As Deputy Room Leader, you will work closely with the Room Leader to support the daily running of the nursery room, maintain high standards of childcare and help ensure every child receives the care, encouragement and learning opportunities they need to thrive.

We are looking for a confident, caring and motivated Early Years professional with excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), strong communication skills and the ability to support and inspire colleagues.

Whether you're already working as a Deputy Room Leader or you're an experienced Nursery Practitioner ready to develop your leadership skills, we would love to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Deputy Nursery Room Leader, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Room Leader with the daily organisation and smooth running of the nursery room.
• Assisting with the supervision, guidance and mentoring of nursery practitioners.
• Taking responsibility for the room when the Room Leader is absent or unavailable, in accordance with nursery procedures.
• Providing high-quality childcare and early education for babies, toddlers or preschool children.
• Supporting the planning and delivery of creative, engaging and age-appropriate learning experiences.
• Ensuring children's learning and development are supported in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Monitoring children's observations, assessments and developmental progress.
• Supporting the key-person approach and helping practitioners meet children's individual needs.
• Promoting positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, independence and confidence.
• Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Helping to maintain a safe, inclusive, welcoming and stimulating nursery environment.
• Building positive and professional relationships with parents and carers.
• Ensuring safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and nursery policies are followed.
• Supporting effective staff deployment and maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
• Assisting with staff induction, coaching and professional development.
• Working closely with the Room Leader and Nursery Management Team to maintain high standards.
• Supporting nursery improvement initiatives and preparation for Ofsted inspections.
• Acting as a positive role model and promoting effective communication and teamwork.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate should have:

• A recognised Early Years or Childcare qualification suitable for the position, with Level 3 or above preferred.
• Previous experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Experience supporting children's learning and development across the EYFS.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging learning experiences.
• Confidence completing observations and supporting children's developmental assessments.
• Strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
• The ability to support, guide and encourage nursery colleagues.
• A positive and professional approach to working with parents and carers.
• A genuine passion for providing high-quality childcare and early education.
• A willingness to take on additional responsibilities and develop leadership skills.