Nursery Room Leader - £1000 joiners bonus

Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries; Midhurst; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International CPD trips

33 days annual leave including bankhol

Healthcare cash plan

Employee wellbeing programme

Buy/sell annual leave

Staff social events

Job summary

Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries in Midhurst, West Sussex, is seeking a Room Leader to lead a room for children aged 6 months to 5 years. The role is hands-on, creative with real leadership impact, and includes mentoring a room team to deliver high-quality early years education.

You'll plan child-led activities, observe and document progress, build strong relationships with families, and work with the leadership team to maintain outstanding practice.

Qualifications

• Experience in an Early Years setting, with leadership experience desirable.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding.
• Passion for child development and learning through play.
• Positive, proactive and team-focused approach.
• Interest in Reggio Emilia philosophy (full training provided).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support your room team to deliver exceptional early years education and care
• Plan engaging, child-led learning experiences that inspire curiosity and exploration
• Mentor, coach and motivate your team
• Create a safe, nurturing and inspiring learning environment
• Build strong relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Take responsibility for your key children, including observations and documentation
• Reflect on practice to continually improve outcomes
• Work closely with the leadership team to deliver outstanding practice

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Child development

Team focus

Reggio Emilia philosophy

Job description

Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries | Full time

Nursery Room Leader - £1000 joiners bonus

Midhurst, United Kingdom | Posted on 08/03/2026

Little Barn Owls Nursery – Midhurst, West Sussex

£29,000–£36,000 per year

Full-Time | Permanent

Join an Award-Winning Nursery Group

Little Barn Owls Nursery Group was recently crowned Nursery World's 2024 Winner for Enabling Environments and we're growing.

We're looking for an inspiring Room Leader to join our beautiful Midhurst nursery, where curiosity, creativity and child-led learning shape every day. Our welcoming setting offers carefully curated learning environments, a strong connection to the local community and an approach inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

The Role

As a Room Leader, you'll lead your own room and guide daily learning experiences for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

This is a hands-on, creative role with real leadership impact.

• Lead and support your room team to deliver exceptional early years education and care
• Plan engaging, child-led learning experiences that inspire curiosity and exploration
• Mentor, coach and motivate your team
• Create a safe, nurturing and inspiring learning environment
• Build strong relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Take responsibility for your key children, including observations and documentation
• Reflect on practice to continually improve outcomes
• Work closely with the leadership team to deliver outstanding practice

What We're Looking For

• Experience working in an Early Years setting, with leadership experience desirable
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding
• Passion for child development and learning through play
• Positive, proactive and team-focused approach
• Interest in the Reggio Emilia philosophy (full training provided)

Training & Development

Following successful completion of your three month induction, you'll join our Little Barn Owls Training Academy, including:

• Dedicated mentor support
• International CPD opportunities
• Collaboration with professional Atelieristas

We're passionate about developing future leaders and investing in our people.

What We Offer

• Salary up to £36,000
• All expenses paid international CPD trips
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Seasonal bonuses and long service rewards
• Employee wellbeing programme, EAP and healthcare cash plan
• Option to buy or sell annual leave
• Staff social events, fun days and team meals
• Clear career progression within an award winning nursery group
• Opportunity to work alongside professional artists in dedicated creative studios

Working Hours

Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 6.00pm

Full time permanent position

Term time or school hours not available

Enhanced DBS and satisfactory references required

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Equal opportunities employer

Ready to lead an inspiring team in our beautiful Midhurst nursery?