Room Leader

HealthJobs4U Ltd; Lewes; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private GP 24/7

Mental Health support

Birthday day off

Childcare discount

Perks at work

Job summary

HealthJobs4U Ltd in Lewes is seeking a Room Leader to oversee a nursery room, lead staff, and deliver engaging learning experiences for children. You will plan assessments, maintain high educational standards, and work closely with the management team to ensure safeguarding and welfare across the setting.

The role requires a strong EYFS background, two years in a nursery, and appropriate qualifications, including Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding Level 2.

Qualifications

• EYFS Level 3+ qualification or equivalent.
• GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above.
• Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Safeguarding Level 2 qualification.
• Food Safety Level 1 or 2 (Desirable).
• Safeguarding Level 3 (Desirable).
• Interest in further childcare qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Run a nursery room/age group, manage staff, allocate breaks and maintain ratios.
• Plan, deliver, and track assessments with staff support, ensuring high standards.
• Work with the Manager and team, attend meetings and share information.
• Ensure safeguarding and promote welfare; act as a Key Worker.
• Communicate with parents, support daily welfare and learning routines.
• Assist with mealtime routines and food safety, including preparation.
• Provide direct care for children's toileting, feeding, and comfort.
• Follow all nursery policies and health & safety guidelines.

Skills

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Learning experiences

Education

Early Years / Child Care Level 3+

GCSE Maths & English (C/4+)

Paediatric First Aid

Safeguarding Level 2

Food Safety (Level 1/2)

Safeguarding Level 3

Job description

Role Overview

Job Title: Room Leader (with potential to move into the management team in the future)

Annual Salary: £28,496 (approx.)

Hours per Week: 40 hours

Responsible To: Management Team

Role Summary & Main Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the running of a room/age group within the nursery, managing room staff, delegating tasks, allocating breaks, identifying training needs, and maintaining required room ratios (with support from senior management).
• Plan, deliver, and track assessments for the room/age group (with staff support), creating fun, engaging learning experiences while ensuring high educational standards and learning routines are maintained.
• Work closely with the Manager, other room leaders, and room staff, attending regular meetings and passing on important information.
• Interact with, supervise, and ensure the safety and happiness of all children, sharing full responsibility for safeguarding and promoting their welfare.
• Act as a Key Worker, maintaining dedicated responsibility for a key group's learning, assessments, next steps, and daily welfare, while supporting all children across the nursery.
• Build strong relationships and regularly communicate with parents and carers (especially those in your key group), actively participating in parent consultations.
• Assist with the preparation, cleaning, and maintenance of nursery equipment and learning areas.
• Assist with mealtime routines (snack and lunch), including dishing up, food preparation (requires Food Safety qualification), clearing away, and supporting children with eating.
• Provide direct care and attend to children’s individual toileting, diaper changing, feeding, and comforting needs depending on age.
• Adhere strictly to all 1st Class Day Nursery policies and procedures, working in accordance with the Child Protection Act, health and safety legislation, Ofsted guidelines, and National Standards.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• Essential: Early Years / Child Care Level 3 or higher qualification (or equivalent)
• Essential: GCSE Maths & English (Grade C/4 or above)
• Essential: Paediatric First Aid
• Essential: Safeguarding Level 2
• Desirable: Food Safety (Level 1 or 2)
• Desirable: Safeguarding Level 3
• Desirable: Interest in gaining further qualifications in childcare

Evidence Required: Certificates & CV

Skills & Abilities

• Essential: Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Essential: Excellent interpersonal skills to interact well with young children and parents
• Essential: Ability to create fun and engaging learning experiences for children
• Desirable: A personal hobby or skill that relates to children's development (e.g., sports, crafts)

Evidence Required: CV, Interview & Qualifications/Training

Experience

• Essential: A minimum of 2 years' experience working in a nursery or EYFS setting
• Essential: Experience in planning and assessing in line with the EYFS framework
• Essential: Experience working within a Key Worker system
• Desirable: Experience managing or supervising staff
• Desirable: Experience teaching children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Evidence Required: CV, Interview & References

Knowledge

• Essential: Good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and early learning expectations
• Essential: Strong knowledge of how to plan, assess, and deliver activities in an EYFS setting
• Desirable: Knowledge of phonics and school readiness goals

Evidence Required: CV & Interview

Disposition & Personal Qualities

• Essential: Positive attitude and a strong work ethic
• Essential: Good team player who enjoys working with children and supporting their development
• Desirable: Enjoys being active and outdoors
• Desirable: Creative thinker

Evidence Required: CV, Interview & References

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• 24/7 Private GP Access: Available for you and members of your household.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing: Access to trained wellbeing and counselling practitioners.
• Birthday Off: Enjoy an additional day off for your birthday because you deserve it!
• Childcare Discount: Available on top of any government funding you receive.
• Perks at Work: Access to discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure, and everyday categories.