Room Leader – Under Twos

Location: SN13 0EG
Salary: From £24,199.50 per year
Job Type: Permanent | Full-time | In-person

Join South Hills School Nurseries

At South Hills School Nurseries, every child is recognised as unique. We nurture curiosity, inspire discovery and empower children to become confident, capable learners. Our values — Curiosity, Respect, Nurture and Inspire — are at the heart of everything we do, creating warm, ambitious environments where children and practitioners can thrive.

About the role

We are looking for a compassionate, confident and experienced Room Leader to lead our Under Twos room. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate early years professional who understands the importance of attachment, responsive caregiving and the unique developmental needs of babies and toddlers.

As Room Leader, you will inspire and support your team to deliver outstanding care and early learning experiences, ensuring every child feels safe, secure, valued and encouraged to explore their world with confidence.

What we’re looking for

• A Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).

• Experience working with babies and toddlers, ideally in a leadership or senior practitioner role.

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, with a particular understanding of infant development.

• Excellent understanding of safeguarding, child protection and safer working practices.

• A calm, nurturing and child-centred approach.

• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.

• The ability to motivate, mentor and develop other practitioners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Under Twos team to deliver exceptional care and learning.

• Create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that supports babies’ physical, emotional and developmental needs.

• Model high-quality practice and support staff through coaching and mentoring.

• Maintain consistent routines that promote wellbeing, attachment and early learning.

• Build strong partnerships with parents and carers through open and effective communication.

• Ensure the room operates in line with EYFS requirements, safeguarding procedures and South Hills School Nurseries’ values and standards.

• Contribute to planning, observations, assessments and the continuous improvement of practice.

Why join South Hills?

We believe our people are at the heart of our success. When you join South Hills School Nurseries, you become part of a supportive, professional and inspirational team that is passionate about giving children the very best start in life.

Safer recruitment and pre-employment checks

South Hills School Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to complete:

• An Enhanced DBS check (including the children’s barred list).

• Right to Work in the UK verification.

• Two satisfactory references, including one from the most recent employer.

• Employment history checks, including explanation of any gaps.

• Verification of qualifications and professional status.

• Disqualification checks in line with statutory guidance.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of safer recruitment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and relevant safeguarding legislation.

If you’re an experienced early years professional who is passionate about exceptional baby-room practice and inspiring others, we would love to hear from you.

Work location: In person