Room Leader / Deputy Manager (Maternity Cover)

Kateys House; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalk Nursery Group is seeking a Room Leader / Deputy Manager on a maternity cover basis. The role focuses on leading the room staff, planning activities and ensuring daily nursery operations align with EYFS, Ofsted standards and safeguarding policies.

You will work closely with the Nursery Manager to support leadership, staff development and effective communication with parents, while maintaining a positive and inclusive environment for children.

Qualifications

• Level 3+ in Early Years Education or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum two years’ experience in childcare, with supervisory/leadership exposure.
• Sound knowledge of EYFS framework and childcare legislation.
• Experience with Ofsted inspections and achieving Good/Outstanding ratings.
• First Aid and Safeguarding training.

Responsibilities

• Lead the room team and supervise staff and students under the Nursery Manager.
• Plan and organise activities in the classroom with the leadership team.
• Support the Nursery Manager/Deputy Manager in daily running and administration.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, Children Act, Health and Safety, Ofsted, and National Standards.
• Attend leadership and staff meetings and provide mentoring to junior staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and address staff and parent queries.
• Monitor accident, incident and risk assessment records and promote inclusive practices.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted experience

Staff mentoring

Planning activities

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Level 3+ Early Years Education

Job description

Room Leader / Deputy Manager (Maternity Cover)

• Level 3 or above in Early Years Education or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working in a childcare setting, with at least one in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and relevant childcare legislation.
• Experience in Ofsted inspections and achieving Good or Outstanding ratings.
• First Aid and Safeguarding training.
• Working in partnership with and supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager to ensure the daily running and administration of the nursery.
• Adhering to the Policies & Procedures of the company and compliance with the Children Act, Health and Safety legislation and within the guidelines of Ofsted and the National Standards.
• Ensuring confidentiality is maintained in the nursery.
• Supervising other team members and students and carrying out supervisory meetings where appropriate under the guidance of the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager.
• Supporting the leadership team and organising the planning of activities in the classroom.
• Liaising with the Nursery Manager/Deputy Manager in organising relevant staff, effective mentoring of junior staff, effective delegation and communication and promoting positive attitudes regarding the company.
• Attending regular meetings with the leadership team and participating in staff meetings.
• Care and supervision of the children with regard to their physical, emotional and intellectual needs.
• Assisting with staff inductions and helping new staff to fit into the nursery.
• Providing a good role model for other team members and students.
• Addressing staff and parent queries.
• Keeping and monitoring accident, incident and risk assessment records.
• Offering all children equal opportunities with regard to their religious persuasion, racial origins, gender, disabilities, cultural or linguistic background; in particular, challenge situations where racism or discrimination is displayed.