Early Years Room Leader

Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd in Portswood, Southampton, is seeking a Room Leader to lead the Toddler Room, deliver the EYFS curriculum, and create a nurturing, stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

You will plan developmentally appropriate activities, maintain strong partnerships with parents, act as Key Person, and ensure safety and wellbeing while upholding high standards of practice.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Qualification in Childcare and Education or Higher is essential.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.
• Genuine passion and affinity for working with children.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and on own initiative.
• Positive, caring, and energetic approach.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage your room team in delivering the EYFS curriculum.
• Provide a high-quality learning environment with age-appropriate resources and experiences.
• Foster positive relationships with parents and carers.
• Promote inclusive practices and support children with special educational needs.
• Act as Key Person for children, ensuring their needs are met with care and consistency.
• Act as a role model, promoting high standards in practice, behaviour, and professionalism.
• Work collaboratively with other Room Leaders to ensure consistency across the nursery.
• Ensure all daily administrative tasks are completed and shared with parents.
• Maintain accurate child records and update as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Initiative

Education

Level 3 Qualification in Childcare and Education or Higher

Paediatric First Aid

Food Hygiene

Safeguarding Certificate

Designated Saf safeguarding Lead (DSL) awareness

Job description

Room Leader – Hopscotch Day Nursery

Are you a passionate childcare professional ready to lead, inspire and make a difference every day? Hopscotch Day Nursery is looking for a dedicated Room Leader to join our Toddler Room team at our Portswood Setting and support the highest standards of care and education for our children.

About The Role

As Room Leader, you will play a vital role in leading your room team, delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, and creating a nurturing, stimulating environment where every child can thrive. You will be responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities, maintaining strong partnerships with parents, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children in your care.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage your room team in delivering the EYFS curriculum
• Provide a high-quality learning environment with age-appropriate resources and experiences
• Foster positive relationships with parents and carers
• Promote inclusive practices and support children with special educational needs
• Act as Key Person for children, ensuring their needs are met with care and consistency
• Act as a role model, promoting high standards in practice, behaviour, and professionalism
• Work collaboratively with other Room Leaders to ensure consistency across the nursery
• Ensure all daily administrative tasks are completed and shared with parents
• Maintain accurate child records and update as needed

What We’re Looking ForEssential

• Level 3 Qualification in Childcare and Education or Higher
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Genuine passion and affinity for working with children
• Ability to work effectively in a team and on own initiative
• Positive, caring, and energetic approach
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures

Desirable

• Experience in a nursery, school, or childcare setting
• Knowledge of OFSTED and EYFS requirements
• Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, or Level 4 Safeguarding Certificate
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or awareness of the DSL role

Full-Time, 40hrs 52 weeks a year

Competitive Salary: £32,864.00

Portswood staff receive an additional £0.30/hour location weighting (this is included in salary above; subject to terms)