Early Years Room Leader
1 day ago
Tonbridge
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 children's 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 children's 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 children's 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 nursery's 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 children's 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 children's 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 children's progress effectively., • Understands the importance of safeguarding and consistently prioritises children's 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 JBRP1_UKTJ