Deputy Room Leader – Nursery – Lewisham

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Deputy Room Leader to help support a vibrant and diverse Pre-School team—a setting where staff are encouraged to enjoy their working day just as much as the children do, and where joy, curiosity, and play are at the heart of everything.

The preschool consists of two rooms, each caring for up to 16 children, creating a nurturing and well-structured environment. As Deputy Room Leader, you will play a key role in supporting your colleagues while helping to lead high-quality early years practice.

You will assist with the day-to-day running of the preschool room, contribute to planning and delivering engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and build secure, positive relationships with both children and families. You’ll have a meaningful impact on each child’s learning journey, emotional wellbeing, and school readiness, while remaining hands-on with children aged 3–5 years.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced early years practitioner who is ready to take on greater responsibility, develop leadership skills, and grow within a supportive team.

The ideal candidate will hold a minimum Level 3 qualification and have at least two year of recent Day Nursery experience.

The role is 40 hours per week (full-time), with flexibility to consider PT hours for the right candidate.

If you are passionate about working with children and have the requisite skills and qualifications, we would love to hear from you.

• Assist the Room Leader in overseeing daily room operations.
• Support and mentor the team of practitioners, ensuring excellent practice across the room.
• Help conduct team meetings, share guidance, and promote a collaborative working environment.
• Step up in the Room Leader’s absence to maintain continuity and quality.

• Support the planning and delivery of a rich, educational curriculum aligned with the EYFS.
• Observe and assess children’s development, contributing to planning for their next steps.
• Foster a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children feel valued and excited to learn.
•  Promote inclusive practice, ensuring children with additional needs are well supported.

• Assist with daily health and safety checks and risk assessments.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and organisation within the classroom.
• Follow safeguarding procedures rigorously and report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Support with lifting, carrying, and moving equipment and resources safely.

• Build positive relationships with parents and carers.
• Provide daily updates and support more formal discussions about children’s development.
•  Participate in parent events, meetings, and celebrations.

• Maintain accurate records of children’s progress, incidents, and attendance.
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory requirements and nursery standards.
• Help manage classroom resources and contribute to improving the learning environment.

• At least two years experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a Pre-school/Nursery Setting with 0-5 year olds.
• A good understanding of the EYFS Framework.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with children.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Creativity in planning engaging and educational activities.

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent.
• GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths

• Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Current Safeguarding certification.
• Current COSHH certification.
• Current Food and Hygiene certification.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
• Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.