Room Leader - Maternity Cover

Bright Horizons UK; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent childcare provider in Purley is seeking a Room Leader for a maternity cover position. This role involves leading and supporting a team to deliver exceptional early years education and care. Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 qualification and experience in a similar setting. The nursery promotes a culture of inclusiveness and offers extracurricular activities for children, ensuring a fulfilling environment for both staff and children. Apply today to make a difference!

Benefits

Supportive company culture

Opportunities for career growth

Qualifications

• Must possess a Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher.
• Experience in a similar role is preferred.
• Understanding of safeguarding requirements is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the team in delivering care and education.
• Promote child welfare, health and safety.
• Maintain partnerships with colleagues, parents, and professionals.

Skills

Early Years qualification

Experience in Early Years setting

Passion for inclusive learning

Understanding of EYFS

Knowledge of Safeguarding

Communication techniques

Education

Full and relevant Level 3 qualification

Job description

Overview

Nursery – Bright Horizons Purley Day Nursery and Preschool

Job Type - Fixed Term Contract: December 2025 - September 2026

Salary – From £31,512 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Purley, London

Are you looking to work to a culture driven by HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for a Room Leader to join our Purley Nursery, situated next to Purley railway/tube station. This is a maternity cover position in our preschool room starting in December 2025 and ending in September 2026 with the possibility of continued employment where possible.

The nursery offers extracurricular activities such as PE lessons on a Monday morning for over 2 year olds, and on a weekly basis, ‘Theatrebugs’ sessions for all ages. These sessions allow children to explore stories in new ways through songs, instruments, and imaginary play.

The Role

As a Room Leader, you will lead, mentor, support, and inspire a team to deliver exceptional care and education, to help all children within the room to develop and meet their individual milestones. You will promote and ensure child welfare, health and safety, and safeguarding, and maintain strong partnerships with colleagues, parents, and other professionals to meet each child’s needs.

What we’re looking for

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
• Previous experience working within an Early Years setting – ideally as a Room Leader, Nursery Nurse, Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Educator or similar
• Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

Please email [e-mail] if you experience any problems, and we will be happy to help.