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Early Years Room Leader

LJ Recruitment


Job Location:

Tonbridge - UK

Hourly Salary: £ £ 15 - 15
Posted: 20 August 2026 (19 days ago)
Application Deadline: 17 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Early Years Educator - Room Lead

15.10 per hour

Location - Tonbridge

40 hours per week

We are seeking an enthusiastic dedicated and experienced Early Years Educator to join our nursery team as a Room Lead.

The successful candidate will provide strong day-to-day leadership within their allocated room supporting and mentoring colleagues while working closely with the Nursery Manager Deputy Manager and Early Years Management Team.

You will have a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) safeguarding and child development together with the ability to lead a team effectively and ensure consistently high standards of care learning and practice.

Responsibilities

Room Leadership

  • Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery by effectively leading supporting and developing staff within your allocated room.
  • Act as a positive role model and mentor for colleagues promoting high standards of professional practice.
  • Ensure safeguarding health and safety and welfare procedures are consistently followed.
  • Lead effective room organisation and maintain a positive stimulating and inclusive environment for children.
  • Prepare staff and the room to a high standard for open mornings tours settling-in sessions and other nursery events.

Planning Teaching and Learning

  • Lead room-based planning to provide a broad range of age-appropriate activities that reflect the EYFS curriculum and the individual needs interests and stages of development of the children.
  • Plan activities that support childrens physical social emotional and intellectual development.
  • Incorporate relevant whole-setting themes events and cross-curricular activities into room planning.
  • Work alongside the EYFS SENDCo where appropriate to plan and deliver targeted interventions and support for children with additional needs including working with external agencies where required.
  • Monitor childrens development and ensure appropriate next steps are identified and implemented.
  • Maintain high-quality developmental observations linking these to Development Matters and the Characteristics of Effective Learning (COEL).

Key Person Responsibilities

  • Take responsibility for an allocated group of key children supporting their individual development learning and wellbeing.
  • Ensure all children in your care are safe happy settled and fully included in nursery life.
  • Act as a buddy key person when required ensuring continuity and consistency of care.
  • Be attentive to individual childrens dietary medical and care needs particularly during mealtimes and ensure relevant information is kept up to date.
  • Communicate any significant incidents concerns or relevant information promptly and appropriately to the Early Years Management Team.

Records Assessment and Communication

  • Ensure all day-to-day records and documentation are completed accurately and within required timescales.
  • Maintain regular developmental observations and progress records using the nurserys online learning and communication platform.
  • Ensure observations are appropriately linked to Development Matters and the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
  • Provide clear and appropriate next steps following observations where required.
  • Support colleagues in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
  • Proofread childrens reports and progress information supporting colleagues to ensure documentation is accurate professional and completed by the required deadlines.
  • Communicate effectively with families and other professionals both verbally and in writing.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

  • Early Years NVQ Level 3 or above or an equivalent recognised qualification.
  • GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
  • At least two years experience working in a nursery or early years setting.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS curriculum and child development.
  • A sound understanding of safeguarding and childrens welfare.
  • Demonstrable experience of working effectively as part of a team.

Desirable

  • Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification.
  • Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
  • Experience of supporting children with SEND and working alongside external agencies.
  • Experience of using an online early years assessment and communication platform. Training can be provided where required.

We are looking for someone who:

  • Has a genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their development.
  • Is enthusiastic energetic and committed to providing high-quality early years education and care.
  • Can confidently lead motivate and support colleagues.
  • Has strong organisational and time-management skills.
  • Can monitor assess record and communicate childrens progress effectively.
  • Understands the importance of safeguarding and consistently prioritises childrens safety and wellbeing.
  • Builds positive and professional relationships with children families and colleagues.
  • Is committed to creating an inclusive nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

Benefits

Free Lunches

25 days holiday

(15 discretionary 5 days at Easter and 5 days at Christmas)

Well-Being events

Pension Scheme (Aviva)

Uniform

Corporate Gym Membership at The Angel Centre