Room Leader (Early Years)

Room Leader (Practice Leader) – Horsham, West Sussex (RH12)
Level 3 Early Years / CACHE / EYE / NVQ
Lead a nurturing early years pre-school room and inspire a team to deliver outstanding care and play-based learning every day.

Employment Type
Full-time, Permanent, Monday–Friday

Salary
£28,000 to £36,000 per year (dependent on experience) + benefits

Pay & Benefits

• Paid annual leave plus bank holidays
• Funded training, qualifications and ongoing CPD to support your development
• Clear progression opportunities into senior early years leadership
• Supportive induction and ongoing mentorship from an experienced leadership team
• Opportunities to develop your leadership style through coaching and reflective practice
• Employee discounts and recognition initiatives
• Outdoor learning opportunities and engaging play spaces
• High-quality training in approaches such as Reggio Emilia (provided if not already trained)

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
This is a full-time position with shifts worked across the setting’s opening hours, Monday to Friday. Your rota will be shared in advance and designed to support a healthy work-life balance. Breaks are provided during each shift, and there may be occasional flexibility required to support key operational needs.

Job Description
We are looking for a confident, caring Room Leader (Practice Leader) to guide a welcoming early years room in a warm and inspiring 50-place nursery/pre-school in Horsham, West Sussex (RH12). This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll support children aged 6 months to 5 years through rich, play-based learning experiences, including plenty of outdoor exploration. You’ll lead by example, bring creativity to the curriculum, and help your team deliver outstanding outcomes through nurturing care, strong routines and meaningful learning opportunities. This Room Leader role suits an experienced Early Years Educator who enjoys mentoring others, values reflective practice, and thrives in an environment where curiosity, nature and child-led learning are celebrated.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support and inspire your room team to deliver consistently high-quality care and learning
• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities aligned with the EYFS framework
• Build strong relationships with children, parents and carers through clear, warm communication
• Carry out key person responsibilities, including observations, assessments and learning journeys
• Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, and daily compliance standards are followed at all times
• Support smooth daily routines including mealtimes, hygiene care, sleep routines and transitions
• Encourage outdoor learning and enriching experiences that support all areas of development

Requirements

• Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification (or equivalent childcare qualification) such as CACHE / EYE / NVQ
• Right to work within the UK (no sponsorship required)
• Enhanced DBS required
• Previous experience within an early years setting such as nursery, pre-school or day nursery
• Room leadership experience is welcomed, however strong practitioners ready to step up are encouraged to apply
• Sound knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding procedures and best practice in early childhood development
• Comfortable completing observations, documentation and reflective practice to support outcomes
• Interest in approaches such as Reggio Emilia is a bonus (training can be provided)
• Suitable for candidates searching: Room Leader, Practice Leader, Pre-School Room Leader, Senior Early Years Educator, Nursery Room Leader, Early Years Room Manager, Senior Nursery Practitioner. 

Company Culture
As a Room Leader (Practice Leader), you’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team where collaboration is valued and every day is shaped by children’s curiosity and joy. Leadership is approachable and invested in helping staff thrive, with a strong focus on learning, development and progression. The setting promotes a calm, nurturing atmosphere with a real emphasis on creativity, outdoor exploration and meaningful relationships. Staff are encouraged to share ideas, reflect on practice, and grow their skills in a culture that feels welcoming, purposeful and people-centred.

Why This Role Appeals

• A leadership opportunity where you can remain hands-on and make a real difference every day
• A supportive team environment with approachable leadership and clear progression pathways
• Creative, child-led learning with strong outdoor and exploratory play opportunities
• Excellent training and development, including funded CPD and leadership support

Apply Today
If you’re ready to take the next step in your Nurseries and Early Years career and lead a room where children feel safe, inspired and confident to explore, we’d love to hear from you. Your experience, ideas and leadership will be genuinely valued, and you’ll be supported to grow and progress in a warm, encouraging environment in Horsham, West Sussex (RH12). Apply today to start your next Childcare chapter.

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