Nursery Room Leader

Royal Air Forces Association; Norton-on-Derwent; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced childcare discount 40%

Healthcare cash back

Free virtual GP

Health and Stress Support + gym

Unlimited Refer a Friend bonus

Generous annual leave

Group Associate Membership – savings

Job summary

Royal Air Forces Association is seeking a Nursery Room Leader for RAFAKidz, a multi-award-winning nursery group serving RAF and MOD communities. The role focuses on leading a warm, inclusive learning environment, inspiring staff, and building strong relationships with families while safeguarding every child’s wellbeing.

The successful candidate will hold a Level 3 EY qualification with Paediatric First Aid, have nursery leadership experience, and be committed to developing staff through ongoing

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification with Paediatric First Aid certificate.
• Nursery leadership experience and ability to inspire staff to perform at their best.
• Proven ability to identify training needs within the team and plan development.
• Passion for creating fun, inclusive learning environments and safeguarding best practice.
• Strong EYFS understanding and excellent partnerships with parents and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a nursery room, ensuring high standards of care and education.
• Develop and mentor staff, recognising training needs and providing growth opportunities.
• Foster warm, safe environments where every child thrives and feels valued.
• Maintain safeguarding, health, and safety compliance across routines and activities.

Skills

Level 3 EY qualification

Paediatric First Aid

Nursery leadership

Training needs analysis

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Family partnership

Child development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Paediatric First Aid certificate

Job description

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification along with a current Paediatric First Aid certificate
• Nursery experience and Leadership qualities to inspire others to be the best they can be
• Ability to identify training needs of practitioners within your team
• Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers
• The difference you will make
• Creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where every child feels happy, valued, and encouraged to flourish.
• Building strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

Investment in your career development - you could be our next Third in Charge or Deputy Manager! RAFAKidz is a multi-award-winning nursery group located on, or close to, RAF and MOD stations across the UK, As the charity that supports the RAF community, RAFAKidz was designed to meet the needs of military and civilian families in the community around an RAF station, providing affordable and quality childcare. This means RAFAKidz is focused providing a high-quality service rather than making commercial profit. Every day, in every one of our nurseries, we provide a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. By working closely with families and fostering a strong sense of belonging, we create caring, inclusive communities where children are encouraged to be themselves, build meaningful relationships, and flourish every step of the way. Many of our nurseries also offer unique learning environments, including sensory rooms, allotments, and Forest School activities, giving children the opportunity to explore, discover, and learn through nature, play, and hands-on experiences. At RAFAKidz, we know that caring for children takes talented, dedicated, and compassionate people. That's why we're committed to nurturing our colleagues just as much as the children in our care. We recognise that everyone's journey is different, and we take the time to support the individual needs, strengths, and aspirations of each member of our team. Whether you're looking for a new opportunity or returning to the profession after a break, you'll find a warm welcome and a supportive environment where you can thrive. Through ongoing training, development opportunities, and encouragement every step of the way, we help our practitioners build rewarding careers, grow in confidence, and achieve their ambitions. At RAFAKidz, you'll be part of a team where you are valued, supported, and inspired to make a real difference every day. Being a Nursery Room Leader is much more than supervising a room. It's about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their potential. Every day brings new achievements, memorable moments, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

£28493 38 hours per week

• What you can expect from us
• Enhanced childcare discount of 40% for permanent employees
• Healthcare cash back for you and your children to cover prescription, dental and optician costs
• Free access to virtual GP
• Health and Stress Support plus gym discount
• Unlimited Refer a Friend bonus payments
• Generous leave with time off to relax and recharge over the Christmas period up to early January
• Group Associate Membership - savings and discounts on household bills and more!
• Guaranteed transfer to another nursery (for spouses and families being reassigned), Leading and supporting your room team to provide the highest quality care and early years education.
• Observing and celebrating children's progress while planning activities that support their individual development.
• Ensuring high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing at all times.
• Sharing children's achievements, milestones, and special moments with parents and carers.
• Helping to create a positive, welcoming, and inclusive nursery community where everyone feels they belong.
• Most importantly, you'll play a key role in helping children thrive, creating positive experiences and lasting memories that can shape their future for years to come.
• The role requires an Enhanced DBS Certificate. Interviews are ongoing
• The RAF Association and RAFAKidz are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
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