Job Description: Room Leaders

This article outlines key responsibilities of the Room Leader and their reporting, subordinates and other contractual duties.

Key Information
Post Title	Room Leader
Direct Report	Nursery Manager
Indirect Report	Deputy Manager / Third in charge
Probation	6 Months during which time probationary assessments must be passed, digital training programmes completed and positive peer review secured
Notice period	9 weeks
Type	Full time permanent contract
Line Manages	All staff within the room they supervise: Deputy Room Leaders, Qualified early years teachers (level 3 +), Trainee Teachers (Level 2+); Teaching Assistants (Unqualified in training); Assistants (Unqualified personnel not in training)
Role Overview: The Room Leader is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their designated room, ensuring a safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environment for children. They lead and support the room staff in implementing the nursery’s curriculum and maintaining best practices in childcare. While they do not hold managerial responsibilities for the nursery as a whole, they play a key role in ensuring their room runs smoothly and in accordance with nursery policies, local and national requirements. Furthermore, the Room leader must aim to ensure that the Room for which you are responsible always meets the compliance requirements of safeguarding and welfare (see Section 3, Page 16-31) and the learning and development requirements (see Sections 1 & 2, Pages 7-15) of the EYFS Statutory Framework and is met to Outstanding practice upon review To ensure that you operate and act like a Manager for your room - responsible for all aspects of staffing, childcare, welfare management and statutory reporting within it and to ensure that your school manager does NOT have to step in to undertake those aspects on your behalf
Key Areas of Responsibility: Room Management and Daily Operations Lead and manage the designated room, ensuring a stimulating and well-organized learning environment. Plan and implement activities that align with the nursery’s curriculum and support children's development. Ensure a high standard of hygiene, safety, and welfare within the room. Support children in their learning and development, ensuring all activities meet EYFS guidelines. Child Development and Parent Communication Observe, track, and assess children's development, ensuring progress is well-documented. Foster strong relationships with children, ensuring their emotional and developmental needs are met. Communicate regularly with parents, providing updates on their child’s progress and addressing concerns. Work closely with the SEND Coordinator and other specialists to support children with additional needs. Act as key person for assigned key children and support the room staff with fulfilling their key person responsibilities Staff Support and Collaboration Lead and mentor room staff, ensuring consistency in teaching and care practices. Support team members in delivering high-quality childcare and encourage professional development. Conduct peer observations and provide feedback to maintain high standards. Compliance and Quality Assurance Maintain accurate records, including daily reports, accident forms, and child development observations. Ensure all safeguarding, health & safety, and nursery policies are strictly followed within the room. Support the nursery team during inspections and audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Required Qualifications & Certificates	Essential: Relevant childcare qualification to level 3 or above; Up to date DBS; Pediatric first aid; Safeguarding training; Food Hygiene; SEND; Fire Safety; A positive approach to gaining further qualifications and trainings.
Skills:	Excellent communication, teamwork, organisation, and leadership abilities within the room setting.
Experience	Minimum of 1 year working in an early years setting. Previous Room Leaders experience desirable.
Knowledge:	Strong understanding of EYFS, child development, Health & Sasfety and safeguarding policies.
Core Competencies:	Leadership and Initiative: Effectively leads and supports the room staff. Child-Centred Approach: Prioritises children's well-being, learning, and development. Teamwork and Collaboration: Works well with nursery leadership and colleagues. Attention to Detail: Ensures compliance with nursery policies and regulatory standards.
Safer Recruitment:	Hatching Dragons are comited to ensure that all staff working with children meet all suitability standards to the highest level. This is to ensure that children in our care are provided with the best outcomes. You can review our "Safer Recruitment and Suitable Staff" policy on the link.