Early Years Room Leader – Full Time – Tonbridge

Catering; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Lunches

25 days holiday

Well-Being events

Pension Scheme (Aviva)

Uniform

Corporate Gym Membership at The Angel…

Job summary

Catering in Tonbridge is hiring an Early Years Educator – Room Lead. You will provide strong day-to-day leadership in your room, mentor colleagues, and work with the Nursery Manager and management team. A solid EYFS background and safeguarding focus are essential.

You will plan activities, lead learning experiences, monitor development, and maintain accurate records while ensuring a warm, inclusive environment for children and families.

Qualifications

• Must have Early Years NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• GCSEs (English and Maths) at grade 4 or above.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS curriculum and child development.
• Solid safeguarding understanding and welfare focus.
• Demonstrable experience leading nursery staff and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor staff in your room, supporting the Nursery Manager.
• Maintain safeguarding, health and safety, and welfare procedures at all times.
• Plan age-appropriate activities aligned with EYFS and COEL.
• Record observations and link them to Development Matters.
• Prepare room and staff for events and open mornings.
• Communicate effectively with families and professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

EYFS knowledge

Observation & development

Teamwork

Education

Early Years NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

GCSE English & Maths (4+)

Job description

Early Years Educator – Room Lead

£15.10 per hour

Location – Tonbridge

40 hours per week

We are seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated and experienced Early Years Educator to join our nursery team as a Room Lead.

The successful candidate will provide strong day-to-day leadership within their allocated room, supporting and mentoring colleagues while working closely with the Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager and Early Years Management Team.

You will have a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding and child development, together with the ability to lead a team effectively and ensure consistently high standards of care, learning and practice.

Responsibilities

Room Leadership

• Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery by effectively leading, supporting and developing staff within your allocated room.
• Act as a positive role model and mentor for colleagues, promoting high standards of professional practice.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and welfare procedures are consistently followed.
• Lead effective room organisation and maintain a positive, stimulating and inclusive environment for children.
• Prepare staff and the room to a high standard for open mornings, tours, settling-in sessions and other nursery events.Planning, Teaching and Learning

Planning, Teaching and Learning

• Lead room-based planning to provide a broad range of age-appropriate activities that reflect the EYFS curriculum and the individual needs, interests and stages of development of the children.
• Plan activities that support children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.
• Incorporate relevant whole-setting themes, events and cross-curricular activities into room planning.
• Work alongside the EYFS SENDCo, where appropriate, to plan and deliver targeted interventions and support for children with additional needs, including working with external agencies where required.
• Monitor children’s development and ensure appropriate next steps are identified and implemented.
• Maintain high-quality developmental observations, linking these to Development Matters and the Characteristics of Effective Learning (COEL).Key Person Responsibilities

Key Person Responsibilities

• Ensure all day-to-day records and documentation are completed accurately and within required timescales.
• Maintain regular developmental observations and progress records using the nursery’s online learning and communication platform.
• Ensure observations are appropriately linked to Development Matters and the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
• Provide clear and appropriate next steps following observations where required.
• Support colleagues in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
• Proofread children’s reports and progress information, supporting colleagues to ensure documentation is accurate, professional and completed by the required deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with families and other professionals, both verbally and in writing. Experience and Qualifications

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Early Years NVQ Level 3 or above, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
• At least two years’ experience working in a nursery or early years setting.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS curriculum and child development.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding and children’s welfare.
• Demonstrable experience of working effectively as part of a team.

Desirable

• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification.
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
• Experience of supporting children with SEND and working alongside external agencies.
• Experience of using an online early years assessment and communication platform. Training can be provided where required.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their development.
• Is enthusiastic, energetic and committed to providing high-quality early years education and care.
• Can confidently lead, motivate and support colleagues.
• Has strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Can monitor, assess, record and communicate children’s progress effectively.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and consistently prioritises children’s safety and wellbeing.
• Builds positive and professional relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Is committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

Benefits

• Free Lunches
• 25 days holiday
• (15 discretionary, 5 days at Easter and 5 days at Christmas)
• Well-Being events
• Pension Scheme (Aviva)
• Uniform
• Corporate Gym Membership at The Angel Centre

Salary: £15 – £15.10/hour

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Tonbridge, Kent