Nursery Room Leader

Hygge Bears Nursery; Hertford; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative early years setting in Hertford seeks a Baby Room Leader to shape the learning atmosphere for children aged 0-2. Responsibilities include leading a dedicated team, ensuring a nurturing environment, and building strong bonds with families. Candidates must have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and significant experience with babies. This role offers a condensed 4-day working week, up to 100% sick pay, and a focus on staff wellbeing and professional growth.

Benefits

Condensed 4‑day working week

Performance‑based bonuses

Ongoing professional development

Access to outdoor learning spaces

Qualifications

• Strong experience working specifically with babies in leadership roles.
• Ability to create routines balancing nurturing care and exploration.
• Desirable: Paediatric First Aid training.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day practice within the baby room.
• Create a calm and predictable environment.
• Oversee planning and developmental support in line with EYFS.
• Build strong attachments with children and meaningful partnerships with families.
• Mentor and support team members.

Skills

Leadership in early years settings

Infant development understanding

Responsive caregiving

Professional team leading

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

About Hygge Bears

Hygge Bears Nursery is a new independent early years setting built on the belief that children thrive when the adults caring for them feel valued, supported and respected. We are committed to doing the right thing by our people. Too often, childcare settings fall short because staff are overworked, under-supported or treated as an afterthought. We are determined to change that.

Our mission is simple: create a calm, nurturing and meaningful environment for children by ensuring our team members are in the best possible mindset to deliver their best work.

We offer a warm, reflective, nature-rich environment for children, inspired by Hygge, outdoor learning and curiosity-driven play. If you share our values and want to be part of something different, we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Condensed 4‑day working week
• £16 per hour
• Up to 100% company sick pay
• Performance‑based bonuses
• Huge opportunities for growth within a new and expanding independent setting
• A people‑first culture where staff wellbeing is a genuine priority
• A calm, homely and nature‑connected learning environment
• Ongoing professional development and training tailored to your goals
• Access to extensive outdoor learning spaces, including farmland, natural play areas and animal interactions

About the Role

As Baby Room Leader, you will play a central role in shaping the routines, atmosphere and learning environment for children aged 02. You will lead a small team, model exceptional practice and ensure that every child feels secure, understood and cared for at their own pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the day‑to‑day practice within the baby room
• Creating a calm, predictable and nurturing environment
• Overseeing planning, observations and developmental support in line with EYFS
• Supporting responsive routines around feeding, sleep and sensory play
• Embedding the Hygge ethos across all interactions and experiences
• Building strong attachments with children and meaningful partnerships with families
• Mentoring and supporting team members to deliver consistent, high‑quality care
• Ensuring the room remains safe, well‑organised and aligned with nursery policies

What We're Looking For

• An up-to-date and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (required)
• Strong experience working specifically with babies, ideally in a leadership or senior role
• Deep understanding of infant development, attachments and responsive caregiving
• Ability to lead a team with warmth, clarity and professionalism
• Confidence creating routines that balance nurturing care, exploration and sensory experiences
• A calm, reflective practitioner who values unhurried, child‑led learning
• Commitment to working in partnership with parents and carers
• Paediatric First Aid training is desirable

Our Commitment to Our People

We are building a workplace where educators feel supported, respected and equipped to deliver their best. Your wellbeing, professional growth and voice matter here. When our team thrives, our children thrive.

Safer Recruitment

Hygge Bears Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All positions are subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, qualification and identity verification, and assessment of suitability to work with children.

Job Types : Full‑time, Permanent

Pay : £31,200 per year