Position: Preschool Room Leader with Deputy Manager responsibilities in the managers absense
Location: Ham Playing Fields
Job Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Salary: £16.50 per hour
About Us
We are proud to be part of the newly formed and growing Chalk Nursery Group, a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality early education and care. At Katey's Ham, we offer exceptional learning environments for children aged 3 months to 5 years, thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Our settings are known for their warmth, strong community feel, and commitment to nurturing every child — and every team member.
Katey’s Ham offers a unique balance of indoor learning and outdoor adventure across five acres of fields, astro-turf, and playgrounds. Our approach blends structured learning with free exploration in nature, boosting focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This is a setting where the outdoors is an extension of the classroom, and children grow in confidence every day. The nursery is a 48-place setting situated by the river, offering a peaceful, spacious environment within reach of surrounding communities
What We Offer
- A competitive salary and benefits package
- Up to 31 days of annual leave (including paid time off at Christmas)
- Regular staff social events and recognition initiatives
- Free access to expert wellbeing support, daily check-ins, and virtual health consultations via the Symbio app
- Discounted childcare
- Free meals on shift
- Full uniform provided
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- A genuinely supportive team and leadership structure
About the Role
We’re seeking a motivated and experienced Room Leader to lead our preschool room and also deputise in the managers absence
As a Room Leader you will:
· Lead your room team in delivering outstanding EYFS-based care and education
· Take the lead on planning, observation, and assessment.
· Support, coach and inspire your team to achieve excellence
· Build strong relationships with children and their families, acting as a key point of contact
· Ensure a safe, stimulating, inclusive, and nurturing environment at all times
· Champion safeguarding, equality and health & safety practices within the room
· Work collaboratively with management and contribute to the nursery’s wider development
What We’re Looking For
· Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years (essential)
· Strong experience in a leadership or supervisory role within an early years setting
· Strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and statutory frameworks
· Confident communicator with leadership, teamwork, and organisational skills
· A genuine passion for early childhood education and helping others grow
Important Information
- All positions are subject to an enhanced DBS check
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children – all staff are expected to share this commitment
Apply Today
If you’re ready to take the next step in your early years career and lead a room where your ideas, leadership and care truly matter — we’d love to hear from you.
#LRMRL
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £16.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Richmond upon Thames, Greater London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Nursery: 5 years (preferred)
- Room Leader: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Relevant Level 3 Qualification in Early Years Education (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
