Nursery Room Leader

The Old Station Nursery Group; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare support

34–38 days holiday (incl. bank)

Access to The National College

Volunteer day

Perkbox discounts

Blue Light Card

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Whitstable is seeking a Room Leader to guide a dedicated team in delivering high‑quality early years provision. You will lead daily room operations, foster a nurturing, play‑based EYFS environment, and support families with exceptional care.

A Level 3 EYFS qualification or QTS is required, and the role emphasizes safeguarding, teamwork, and professional growth. You will work 38 hours per week, with a pay rate of £13.95 per hour, plus benefits including childcare support,

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or QTS
• Strong understanding of EYFS in practice
• Ability to lead and develop the room team
• Commitment to safeguarding and high standards of care

Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day running of your room and mentor the team
• Guide EYFS delivery through play and care
• Oversee observations, planning and records to track progress
• Create a safe, inclusive environment reflecting each child’s needs
• Build trusted relationships with families and external professionals
• Support nursery operations during management absences
• Ensure safeguarding, hygiene and wellbeing are at the heart of practice
• Provide constructive feedback and support colleagues’ development

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Join Our Team as a Nursery Room Leader

Lead a room full of possibility -for children and your team

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing — little humans and big humans alike. As a Nursery Room Leader at Whitstable, you’ll guide your team to create a welcoming space where children feel secure, curiosity is encouraged, and everyone has a part to play.

You’ll stay close to the everyday care and learning that makes Early Years special, while supporting colleagues to develop their skills and growing your own confidence as a leader.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.

• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.

• Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.

• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.

• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.

• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay:£13.95 per hour / £27,539 - £27,539 per annumbased on 40 hours.

Hours:38hours per week. Monday to Friday over 4 or 5 days.

Location

The Old Station Nursery Whitstable, Whitstable Railway Station
Railway Avenue
Whitstable
Kent
CT5 1QS

Where You'll Be Working

Located in the lovely seaside town of Whitstable, our nursery was formerly the Whitstable Railway Station. Our three open plan ground floor rooms are full of engaging resources, all designed to create a home-from-home nursery environment. We love to explore the local area with the children and will go on frequent outings; making the most of our seaside location with walks to the beach as well as the harbour, library and park. Our friendly, positive team, enjoy staff days out and employee appreciation too! Please note we also have free on-site free parking and we are located next to the train station and bus stop. We look forward to hearing from you!

What You'll Be Doing

Working alongside the Nursery Management Team, you’ll lead the day-to-day running of your room, bringing together thoughtful care, purposeful play, and a team that supports one another.

One moment you might be helping a colleague extend children’s learning through an activity. The next, you could be welcoming a new family or adapting a routine to help a child feel more settled.

Your role will include:

• Leading and mentoring your room team, setting clear expectations and modelling high-quality care and education

• Guiding the delivery of the EYFS through engaging, play-based experiences shaped around children’s interests and developmental needs

• Overseeing observations, planning, and records so your team understands each child’s progress and next steps

• Creating a safe, inclusive environment with caring routines that reflect each child’s individual needs

• Building trusting relationships with families and working with colleagues and external professionals to support children’s development

• Organising daily responsibilities within your room and supporting the management team with the nursery’s wider running

• Keeping safeguarding, hygiene, safety, and children’s wellbeing at the heart of your team’s practice

• Sharing constructive feedback, welcoming ideas, and supporting colleagues’ ongoing development

• Taking on delegated leadership responsibilities, including supporting nursery operations during management absences as agreed

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As a Room Leader, that means taking responsibility for your room, listening to your team, and working together to turn ideas into positive experiences for children.

What We’re Looking For

You must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to be considered for this role.

You’ll also bring:

• A strong understanding of the EYFS and how to put it into practice through play, care, and meaningful interactions

• The confidence to guide colleagues, share your knowledge, and lead by example

• A caring, observant approach that recognises each child’s strengths, interests, and needs

• Good organisation and clear communication to help your room run smoothly

• A commitment to safeguarding and maintaining high standards of care

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to keep learning alongside your team

We’re looking for someone who notices when others need encouragement, makes space for different ideas, and takes pride in helping both children and colleagues grow.

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.