Pre-School Deputy Room Leader

Deputy Room Leader – The Rocking Horse Nursery

The Rocking Horse Nursery is an award-winning early years educational establishment located in Finchley Central, London. As NDNA Nursery of the Year South 2018, the nursery is proud to provide a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children aged 0–5 thrive. Privately owned and family run, the nursery offers high-quality childcare within a friendly residential setting, close to local parks and public transport links.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated and experienced early years practitioner to take on a leadership position within our pre-school room. Working closely with the Nursery Management Team, you will help to ensure outstanding levels of care, education, safety, and wellbeing for children aged 3–5, while supporting and guiding staff in the room on a daily basis.

Role Summary

• Working Week:
  • Monday: 7:30am – 4:30pm (1-hour break)
  • Tuesday: 9:30am – 6:30pm (1-hour break)
  • Wednesday: 9:30am – 6:30pm (1-hour break)
  • Thursday: 9:30am – 6:30pm (1-hour break)
  • Friday: 9:30am – 6:30pm (1-hour break)
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Location: The Rocking Horse Nursery, 5 Victoria Avenue, London, N3 1BD

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Deputy Room Leader to support the daily operation of our Macaws pre-school room. You will help ensure that children receive high-quality education and care in line with the EYFS, safeguarding requirements, and nursery policies.

Working under the Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, Third in Charge and Room Leader, you will supervise staff, contribute to curriculum planning, maintain high standards of safety and welfare, and ensure a stimulating learning environment for all children.

You will play an essential leadership role in modelling best practice, supporting staff development, maintaining strong communication with parents, and promoting a positive and inclusive culture within the nursery.

Main Duties

• Ensure the smooth daily running of the Macaws pre-school room.
• Provide safe, high-quality education and care for children aged 3–5, in line with EYFS and OFSTED requirements.
• Supervise staff within the room and support their professional development.
• Plan, deliver and document engaging activities that meet learning outcomes of the EYFS.
• Oversee curriculum planning, Learning Journeys and assessment documentation, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Carry out assessments and reports on children's development and progress.
• Maintain strong communication with parents/carers and involve them in their child's learning.
• Monitor and maintain the safety, welfare and hygiene standards within the room and nursery.
• Conduct and record daily, weekly and monthly room/garden/nursery risk assessments.
• Support children's personal, social, emotional, cultural and moral development.
• Liaise with professional bodies associated with the nursery.
• Handle confidential information responsibly and securely.
• Assist in ordering resources and maintaining stock levels.
• Support the management team in implementing nursery policies and procedures.
• Assist with organisation of nursery events, activities and extra-curricular experiences.
• Undertake first aid as required (training provided if needed).
• Attend meetings, training and in-service development sessions and cascade information to staff.
• Participate in opening and closing procedures for the Macaws room and garden.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties required by management in line with nursery objectives.

The Candidate

Essential Qualities & Experience

• At least 1 year of experience working in an early years setting with children aged 3–5.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
• Ability to supervise, motivate and support staff.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm, professional and solution-focused.
• Strong communication skills with children, parents and staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Friendly, warm and professional.
• A positive role model for staff, parents and children.
• Responsible, reliable and committed to high standards of care and education.
• Adaptable, proactive and enthusiastic.
• Able to build strong relationships and communicate effectively.
• Passionate about supporting children's learning and development.

Training and Development

The Rocking Horse Nursery is committed to continuous professional development. The successful candidate will have access to:

• Ongoing internal training and professional development opportunities.
• Support in developing leadership and curriculum skills.
• Safeguarding, first aid and fire-safety training.
• Regular supervision and performance reviews.

Pre-Employment Checks

All appointments are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS check
• Right-to-work verification
• Reference checks
• Compliance with safeguarding and safer-recruitment procedures

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