Job Roles: Nursery Room Leader (Qualified )
Reports to: Nursery Manager
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent (All Year round)
Salary: Competitive, depending on skills and qualification
Expected start date: 1 July 2026 (subject to satisfactory safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including Enhanced DBS check)
Benefits:
- 30 days holiday
- Pension Scheme
- Discounted childcare and school fees for staff
- Beautiful grounds, located on an idyllic 35 acre estate in Surrey
- Free staff lunches (hot meals and salad bar)
- Employee Health Cash Plan (staff and their children under 18 yrs)
- Employee Assistance Programme for staff mental wellbeing and support
- Free, onsite parking
Our Nursery welcomes babies from 6 months upwards in a bright, spacious, and inspirational learning environment with dedicated outside areas. As part of our thriving independent prep school (now part of the Caterham Family of Schools), the nursery has full use of the 35 acres of idyllic country estate, from the Woodland Classroom for outdoor crafting, to the Sports Hall for soft play and story time in the Junior Library. Our weekly timetable is supported by specialist teachers for Forest School, Dance and Music.
Job Overview
We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic Room Leader to join our growing team as our nursery continues to grow.
The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting the development and well-being of children within our nursery setting.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the smooth running of the nursery classroom, including the planning and delivery of activities tailored to children's developmental stages
- reporting to the Nursery Manager, with line management responsibility for the nursery staff in their allocated room
- Conduct regular supervision with staff and support development
- Support children with their daily routines, including feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene
- Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times in accordance with nursery policies
- Foster positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues through effective communication
- Observe and record children's progress, behaviour, and interests to inform future planning
- Maintain a clean, organised, and welcoming environment that encourages learning and exploration
- Support management in implementing policies related to child protection and health & safety standards
- Contribute to team meetings and ongoing professional development activities
- This is not an exhaustive list and may include any other duties as reasonably requested
Skills
- Minimum Level 3 Qualification in childcare
- Proven experience working with children within a nursery or early childhood setting
- Understanding of the importance of flexibility and team work in a busy nursery
- Flexible Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written
- Knowledge of early childhood education principles and childcare best practices
- Ability to engage children through creative activities and play-based learning
- Organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Compassionate, patient, and nurturing suitable for working with young children
Closing Date: 10am Monday 22 June 2026
Please note that sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must have the existing right to work in the UK.
Early applications are encouraged as the school reserves the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date should the ideal candidate(s) be identified.
The Hawthorns School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced DBS check.
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Are you eligible to work in the UK?
Experience:
- Nursery: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
