Nursery Room Leader

Tops Day Nurseries; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

60% childcare discount

Blue Light/Card discounts and rewards

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is seeking a Room Leader in Gillingham to oversee the educational and social development of babies and young children up to five. You will create a safe learning environment, guide staff, and deliver age-appropriate activities in a collaborative setting.

The role offers a competitive hourly rate, 30–35 hours per week, and opportunities across a growing national childcare group. Applicants should have Early Years qualifications and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Must have Early Years qualification Level 3 or higher in childcare.
• Proven leadership and organisational skills.
• Experience working in an early years setting.
• Good communication with children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support the team of childcare workers and educators in the room.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to staff, ensuring a smooth workflow.
• Mentor and train staff to maintain high standards of care and education.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate learning activities.
• Organise a daily routine balancing learning, play, and rest.
• Create stimulating environments and displays reflecting children's progress.
• Develop individual learning plans to meet each child's needs.
• Keep the room well-organised and resources available.
• Set up activities and displays reflecting children's work.

Skills

Leadership

Team Leadership

Communication

Childcare

Education

Early Years Level 3+

Job description

Location: Gillingham, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £14.58 Hour (depend on qualification)

Contracted Hours: 30-35 hours per week

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co-owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

With over 30 nurseries across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.

We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

About The Role

Our Room Leader looks after the educational and social development of babies and young children up to the age of five. Their primary duties include providing children with a safe environment to learn, helping them to develop basic social and behavioural skills and engaging them in age-appropriate play activities.

About The Nursery

Tops Gillingham Nursery is a 96-place day nursery and preschool providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. We offer a safe, caring, and inspiring environment where children feel valued and supported by our long-standing, dedicated team. Our purposefully designed learning spaces encourage imagination and exploration through open-ended play and sensory-rich experiences. Children benefit from a large enclosed garden with a bug hotel, beach area, and rowing boat, as well as regular access to local parks, countryside walks, and community outings.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website!

What does the role involve?

• Manage and support the team of childcare workers and educators in the room.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to staff, ensuring a smooth workflow.
• Mentor and train staff to ensure high standards of care and education are maintained.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate learning activities that support the developmental needs of the children.
• Organize a daily routine that balances learning, play, and rest.
• Create stimulating environments with engaging activities that encourage children’s curiosity and development.
• Ensure individual learning plans are developed to meet the needs of each child.
• Ensure the room is always well-organized and that all resources are available and used effectively.
• Set up activities and create displays that reflect the children's work and progress.

What are we looking for?

• Early Years qualification (Level 3 or higher) in childcare.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Experience working in an early years setting.
• Good communication skills, both with children and adults.

Important Safeguarding Information

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.