Room Manager (Third in Charge) – Early Years
Location: Mini Explorers Nursery, Bedale (DL7 9LN)
Pay: £15.50 per hour
Hours: 4 or 5 days per week (to be agreed at interview)
Contract: 37.5 hours per week (full-time equivalent)
Are you an experienced Early Years professional ready to take the next step in your career?
Do you thrive in a leadership role and believe children learn best through rich, meaningful experiences, particularly outdoors?
Mini Explorers Nursery is seeking a passionate and motivated Room Manager (Third in Charge) to join our professional and caring team.
About the Role
You will lead your room with confidence and professionalism, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, and safeguarding at all times. Working closely with the Educational Lead, Deputy Manager and Nursery Manager, you will support staff development, inspire high-quality practice, and help deliver a rich, stimulating learning environment both indoors and outdoors, including daily Forest School experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day running of your room
- Support, supervise, and mentor staff within your team
- Ensure high-quality planning, observations, and next steps in line with the EYFS
- Act as a key person and maintain accurate and up-to-date child records
- Promote strong safeguarding practice and act as a Safeguarding Lead (training provided)
- Create an inclusive, engaging, and well-organised learning environment
- Build positive, professional relationships with parents and carers
- Step up as Third in Charge in the absence of the Manager or Deputy Manager
- Deliver engaging, age-appropriate Forest School sessions
- Ensure compliance with all policies, procedures, and statutory requirements
Essential Requirements
- Minimum UK Recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification
- At least 3 years’ experience working in Early Years
- A minimum of 1 year’s experience in a senior or managerial role
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted expectations
- Confident leadership and excellent communication skills
- A proactive, professional, and nurturing approach
- A passion for outdoor learning and child-led experiences
What We Offer
- Competitive pay at £15.50 per hour
- Flexible working pattern (4 or 5 days per week)
- Supportive leadership team and positive working environment
- Strong emphasis on outdoor learning and Forest School
- Ongoing training and professional development
- A nursery that genuinely values its staff and children
Mini Explorers Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,225.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Canteen
- Childcare
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
