Nursery Room Leader

Nursery Room Leader (Early Years) – Horsham, West Sussex RH12
Join an award-winning Forest and Farm School nursery setting where childcare, outdoor learning, creativity, and child-led early years education are at the heart of daily practice.

Employment Type
Full-time, permanent, all year round Nursery Room Leader opportunity 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.

Pay & Benefits

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

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time, permanent role working Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 6:00pm.
Based in Horsham, West Sussex RH12 within a Forest School and farm-based nursery environment.

• Full-time only position
• Nursery operates 51 weeks per year
• In-person role based within the nursery setting
• Leadership responsibilities within your own nursery room
• Ongoing support through mentoring, training and leadership development

Job Description
As a Nursery Room Leader, you will join a creative Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex RH12, leading daily learning experiences for children aged 6 months to 5 years within a nurturing and inspiring early years environment.
This Nursery Room Leader role combines hands-on childcare practice with meaningful leadership responsibilities, supporting a room team to deliver high-quality EYFS learning, safeguarding, and child development within a premium nursery setting.

The nursery setting is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, combining outdoor learning, Forest School education, creativity, and child-led exploration. Children are encouraged to develop curiosity, confidence, imagination and independence through meaningful projects, outdoor experiences and engaging learning opportunities. You will also work alongside passionate educators and professional Atelieristas within dedicated creative studio spaces designed to support expression, creativity and hands-on learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage your nursery room to deliver outstanding childcare and early years education
• Support children aged 6 months to 5 years with learning and development
• Plan and deliver engaging age-appropriate EYFS activities
• Mentor, motivate and support nursery team members
• Create a safe, nurturing and inspiring learning environment
• Build strong relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Take responsibility for key children, observations and documentation
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and high standards of nursery practice
• Support outdoor learning, Forest School and creative play experiences
• Work closely with leadership teams to exceed EYFS standards and outcomes

Requirements

• Permanent right to work in the UK with no sponsorship requirement
• Level 3 or above Childcare qualification is required
• Previous Early Years, preschool or nursery experience is required, with leadership experience desirable
• Passion for childcare, EYFS, Forest School and outdoor learning
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child development and nursery practice
• Positive, proactive and team-focused approach
• Ability to lead confidently while working collaboratively within the wider nursery team
• Also suitable for: Room Leader, Early Years Room Leader, Nursery Room Leader, Senior Nursery Practitioner, Senior Early Years Educator, Preschool Room Leader, Lead Practitioner, Third in Charge, Nursery Supervisor, Early Years Leader

Company Culture
The nursery environment is warm, imaginative and nature-focused, combining Forest School learning, Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, outdoor exploration and creative studio experiences to help children and educators thrive.

As a Nursery Room Leader, you will be joining a creative, supportive and highly regarded nursery team where professional development, wellbeing, leadership and child-led learning are genuinely valued.

Apply Today
If you are an experienced Nursery Room Leader, Nursery Room Leader or Senior Early Years professional looking to progress your childcare career within a supportive Forest and Farm School nursery in Horsham, West Sussex RH12, this is an excellent opportunity to join an award-winning early years setting where your leadership, creativity and passion for childcare will be genuinely valued.

Apply today to take the next step in your early years leadership career within a creative and development-focused nursery environment. Interviews are taking place as applications are reviewed, and early applications are strongly encouraged.

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