Nursery Room Leader

Nursery Room Leader (Early Years) – Horsham, West Sussex, RH12
Join an award-winning Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex, RH12, where outdoor learning, creativity and child-led education shape everyday practice. As a Nursery Room Leader (Early Years), you will combine hands-on childcare with room leadership, supporting children aged 6 months to 5 years while guiding colleagues to deliver engaging EYFS experiences in a nurturing, Reggio Emilia-inspired environment.

Employment Type
Full-time, permanent, all-year-round position within a nurseries & early years setting.
No sponsorship available for this role. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Salary
£30,000 – £36,000 per year, dependent on experience + benefits.

Benefits

• 80% childcare discount
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
• All-expenses-paid international CPD trips
• Seasonal bonuses and long-service rewards
• Employee wellbeing programme, EAP and healthcare cash plan
• Company pension scheme
• Option to buy and sell annual leave
• Employee mentoring and leadership development opportunities
• Career progression within an award-winning nursery group
• Free parking and on-site parking
• Staff socials, fun days and team meals
• Opportunity to work alongside professional artists in dedicated creative studios

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time, permanent, all-year-round position.
Based in Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 within a Forest School and farm-based nursery environment.

• Monday to Friday, working between 7:30am and 6:00pm
• Full-time only position
• Nursery operates 51 weeks per year
• In-person position with leadership responsibility for your own nursery room
• Ongoing mentoring, training and leadership development

Job Description
As a Nursery Room Leader (Early Years), you will deliver high-quality childcare and early years education while leading a nursery room in Horsham, RH12. Supporting children aged 6 months to 5 years, you will combine hands-on practice with responsibility for guiding and motivating your room team, planning engaging EYFS learning and maintaining high standards of safeguarding and child development. The setting combines Forest School and farm-based experiences with Reggio Emilia-inspired, child-led learning, encouraging children to build confidence, curiosity, imagination and independence. You will also work alongside educators and professional Atelieristas in dedicated creative studios, helping children explore ideas through meaningful projects, outdoor experiences and creative play.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily practice within your nursery room, maintaining high standards of childcare and early years education
• Support children aged 6 months to 5 years with their individual learning, wellbeing and development
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate EYFS activities and child-led learning experiences
• Mentor, motivate and support nursery team members to provide consistent, high-quality practice
• Create a safe, nurturing, inclusive and stimulating learning environment
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers, families and colleagues
• Take responsibility for key children, observations, developmental records and nursery documentation
• Maintain strong safeguarding, wellbeing and safe working practices throughout the room
• Encourage outdoor learning, Forest School experiences, creative exploration and independent thinking
• Work collaboratively with the wider leadership team to maintain and develop high standards of EYFS practice

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Level 3 or above Childcare or Early Years qualification is required
• Previous experience within an Early Years, preschool or nursery setting is required, with leadership experience desirable
• Genuine interest in childcare, EYFS, Forest School, outdoor learning and child development
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, EYFS practice, observations and creating high-quality learning environments
• Positive, proactive and supportive approach to leading colleagues and working with families
• Ability to lead your nursery room confidently while working collaboratively with the wider nursery and leadership team
• Also suitable for: Room Leader, Early Years Room Leader, Senior Nursery Practitioner, Preschool Room Leader, Lead Practitioner, Early Years Leader

Company Culture
As a Nursery Room Leader (Early Years), you will be part of a creative and nature-focused nursery team where professional development, leadership and child-led learning are actively supported. The Horsham setting combines Forest School and farm-based learning with Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, outdoor exploration and dedicated creative studios. Staff benefit from mentoring, leadership development and distinctive CPD opportunities while working in an environment that encourages educators to contribute ideas, develop professionally and create meaningful learning experiences for children.

Apply Today
If you are an experienced Nursery Room Leader or senior early years professional ready to develop your leadership career, Apply today for this Nursery Room Leader (Early Years) position in Horsham, RH12. Your childcare experience, creativity and commitment to high-quality EYFS practice will be valued within a supportive setting offering mentoring, professional development and genuine opportunities for progression.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early interest is warmly encouraged.

Contact Details
Recruit by Nature
George Francis
George@recruitbynature.co.uk
Direct Line: 0118 334 8424
WhatsApp: 07782217154
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