Deputy Room Leader

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Hollywater; Remote; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Uniform provided

DBS check paid

Birthday off

Staff incentives

Wellbeing programme

Training & development

Benefits portal

SENCO pathway

Career progression

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking a Level 3 Deputy Room Leader to join the Baby Room in a Good Ofsted-rated nursery renowned for exploration, play-based learning and a home-from-home atmosphere.

The role supports daily operations, with scope to take on SENCO responsibilities to help every child reach their potential, including outdoor learning and inclusive practice.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Experience in an early years setting, ideally in a senior practitioner or leadership role.
• Good understanding of the EYFS framework and safeguarding practices.
• A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor learning and child-led play.
• Interest in or experience supporting children with additional needs (SENCO experience desirable).
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A caring, positive, and enthusiastic approach to supporting young children.

Responsibilities

• Support the Room Leader with the day-to-day running of the Baby Room.
• Deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS framework.
• Support children's learning through child-led, play-based experiences.
• Encourage free-flow play and outdoor learning environments year-round.
• Help create engaging sensory and exploratory experiences for babies' development.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress to support learning journeys.
• Support and mentor other practitioners within the room.
• Assist with SENCO responsibilities to support children with additional needs.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing environment following safeguarding and nursery policies.

Skills

Experience in early years setting

EYFS framework understanding

SENCO experience

Communication and teamwork

Caring and enthusiastic approach

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

Job description

Deputy Room Leader (Baby Room)

Up to £29,800 per year (depending on qualifications)

This is an exciting opportunity for a Level 3 Deputy Room Leader to join the Baby Room of a Good Ofsted-rated nursery that believes childhood should be filled with exploration, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to learn through play. With a genuine home-from-home approach, the nursery provides a calm, nurturing environment.

Free-flow play is at the heart of the nursery's philosophy, giving children the freedom to explore both indoors and outdoors throughout the year. From sensory experiences and natural resources to gardening and outdoor adventures, the environment has been thoughtfully designed to encourage curiosity, confidence, and independence from the very beginning.

Alongside supporting the Room Leader with the day-to-day running of the Baby Room, there is also the opportunity to take on the role of SENCO, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about inclusive practice and supporting every child to reach their full potential.

What We’re Looking For

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous experience within an early years setting, ideally in a senior practitioner or leadership role.
• Good understanding of the EYFS framework and safeguarding practices.
• A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor learning and child-led play.
• Interest in, or experience supporting children with additional needs (SENCO experience is desirable but not essential).
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A caring, positive, and enthusiastic approach to supporting young children.

What’s On Offer

• Up to £29,800 per year (depending on qualifications)
• Discounted childcare
• Uniform provided
• Paid enhanced DBS check
• Day off on your birthday
• Staff incentives
• Wellbeing programme
• Benefits portal
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to develop into a SENCO role alongside your Deputy Room Leader position

Deputy Room Leader Responsibilities

• Support the Room Leader with the day-to-day running of the Baby Room.
• Deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS framework.
• Support children's learning through child-led, play-based experiences.
• Encourage free-flow play and make the most of the nursery's outdoor learning environments throughout the year.
• Help create engaging sensory and exploratory experiences that support babies' early development.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress to support their individual learning journeys.
• Support and mentor other practitioners within the room, leading by example.
• Assist with the nursery's inclusive practice and, where appropriate, take on SENCO responsibilities to support children with additional needs.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment while following safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL248999/DB