Nursery Room Leader

Newcastle-Under-Lyme School; Coventry; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent school in Coventry is looking for a passionate Room Leader to oversee the 2-Year-Olds Room. You will manage a team and ensure high standards of care and education. A Level 3 qualification in Early Years and Childcare is required. This full-time permanent position offers a competitive salary and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

Complimentary lunch

Access to professional development opportunities

Training grants for professional qualifications

Pension Scheme

Discounted nursery/school fees

On-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience of working with 2-4 year olds required.
• Ability to plan and implement engaging learning opportunities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding protocols and child protection procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and care of children aged 2 years.
• Manage a team of nursery practitioners ensuring high standards.
• Conduct observations to monitor children’s development.

Skills

Childcare experience

Team leadership

Knowledge of EYFS framework

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare

Job description

Overview

Start Date: November 2025

Salary: £29,300 - £31,300 (depending on experience)

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 22 October, 12 noon. Early applications are encouraged as we do reserve the right to close the recruitment process sooner if a suitable candidate is found.

As one of the leading Independent Schools in the country, we pride ourselves on offering a supportive and caring environment for pupils. We are looking for a dynamic, experienced, and passionate Room Leader to take charge of our 2-Year-Olds Room and support the Nursery as the Third-in-Charge.

As a key member of the Nursery leadership team, you will oversee the development, care, and education of our younger children, while also playing a pivotal role in supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy in the overall running of the Nursery. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a thriving educational environment within a highly successful 2-18 academic independent school.

You will be responsible for managing a dedicated team of practitioners, ensuring that the children in your care receive the highest standard of early years education, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Additionally, as Third-in Charge, you will help drive strategic decisions, uphold the nursery’s policies and ethos, and provide support where needed across the setting.

To be successful, you will need to be qualified to an appropriate and recognised level 3 in Early Years and Childcare (this does not include Health and Social Care) with some experience of working with 2-4 year olds, and be looking for an opportunity to get fully involved with the life of this busy school.

NULS has a team of Early Years Practitioners within its Little NULS Nursery. Together, this team are part of the Foundation Stage along with Reception which provides a high standard of care and education to children aged 2-5 years.

Key Responsibilities

• Room Leadership & Team Management (2-3 year olds): Lead the 2-year-olds Room, ensuring a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for children;
• Motivate, supervise, and support a team of nursery practitioners in your room to deliver high standards of care and education;
• Plan and implement engaging, child-centred learning opportunities that are appropriate for the developmental needs of 2-3 year-olds, using the EYFS framework;
• Ensure that all daily routines and activities run smoothly and efficiently, with a focus on developing the children’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills;
• Conduct regular observations and assessments of children’s development, keeping detailed records to monitor progress and plan next steps;
• Be involved in out of working hours activities, e.g. training, staff meetings, etc;
• Have knowledge of planning in the moment and experience of application in a setting.

Third-in-Charge Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the overall leadership and management of the Nursery, ensuring high-quality practice across all age groups.
• Step in as the acting Nursery Manager or Deputy in their absence, overseeing the daily operations, staff management, and the wellbeing of children.
• Assist in strategic decision-making regarding staff training, nursery improvements, and the implementation of policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the nursery meets and exceeds ISI requirements and other regulatory standards.
• Help maintain an organised and positive working environment where staff feel supported and motivated.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Take responsibility for the safety and welfare of children in your room, ensuring adherence to safeguarding protocols and child protection procedures.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and emotional well-being through structured play, individual attention, and appropriate interventions.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure a safe, hygienic, and stimulating environment is maintained at all times.

Communication & Relationships

• Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, ensuring regular communication with parents about their child’s progress, needs, and any concerns.
• Provide regular feedback to parents and caregivers through daily updates, meetings, and written reports.
• Work closely with other departments within the school to ensure continuity of care and development for the children.
• Collaborate with the Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager and Senior Early Years Practitioners to ensure consistent delivery of the nursery's mission and values.

How to Apply

Applications to be sent to: [e-mail]. Application forms and details are available on the school website at https://www.nuls.org.uk/vacancies

Benefits of Working at NULS

• Competitive salaries
• 20 days holiday plus grant days and bank holidays
• Complimentary lunch
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for professional qualifications
• Pension Scheme
• Discounted nursery/school fees for staff
• On-site parking

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Registered charity no. 1124463