Job Description

Salary: 29,064 - 31,537

Grade: G

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

At Little Explorers, we believe Early Years should feel warm, calm and full of wonder - a little like stepping into a cosy Scandinavian cabin where everyone is welcome, valued and encouraged to grow at their own pace. If you're someone who finds joy in gentle routines, soft lighting, natural materials and the magic of toddlerhood, this role may feel like home.





We're looking for a nurturing, grounded and creative Room Lead to guide our toddlers through their days of discovery. You'll lead a small, supportive team and help create a space where children feel safe, calm and deeply connected - even on the days when someone insists on wearing wellies indoors.





Our perfect candidate will create a warm, hygge?inspired environment where toddlers can explore, play and feel secure and lead their team with kindness, clarity and a sense of calm You will plan meaningful, child?centred experiences (think soft textures, natural play, cosy corners and plenty of outdoor time) and support children's emotional wellbeing and independence.





Our room leads are responsible for building strong, trusting relationships with our families and keep the room running smoothly, even with toddlers joyfully running in every direction.

Requirements for the role

Minimum of a Level 2 Early Years qualification with the view to completing a Level 3 qualification within 12 months of starting the role.






Experience working with toddlers and an appreciation for their wonderfully unpredictable nature



A calm, reflective approach and a genuine love for creating peaceful, nurturing spaces A passion for nature?based play, gentle routines and child?led learning.






At Little Explorers we offer a warm, supportive team who value kindness and connection. Ongoing professional development in a setting inspired by calmness, nature and wellbeing.





If you're ready to lead with heart, calm and creativity -- and you love the idea of bringing a little Scandinavian cosiness into your work -- we'd love to welcome you into our team.





This is a managerial role, where you will lead and support a small, dedicated team to create a calm, nurturing and well?organised toddler environment. You will take responsibility for the daily running of the room, offering leadership, clear direction and a reassuring presence that helps your team feel confident and connected. Through reflective practice, open communication and a d commitment to child?centred care, you will inspire your team to work collaboratively, maintain high standards and create a space where both children and practitioners can thrive.

Contact Details

For more information, please contact Nicky Littlewood (nicola.littlewood1@northyorks.gov.uk) or Elizabeth Green (elizabeth.green@northyorks.gov.uk)

Key Dates:

Closing Date:

08th February 2026

Interview Date:

16th February 2026

Venue for Interview:

Little Explorers Day Nursery, Harrogate

Key Documents

Total Rewards Brochure





DBS



Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post.





NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.



We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to this commitment.





North Yorkshire Councils' purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other's contributions, we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.



North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.





North Yorkshire Council are committed to the health and safety of our employees and of others including the general public. It has a responsibility to ensure employees who hold a position that is deemed to be safety critical as it requires the performance of duties which are directly related to the safe operation or security of a facility, piece of equipment or vehicle, handling of chemicals or work at height or in confined spaces and which, if not performed properly, could result in a serious safety risk or environmental hazard to employees, a facility or the general public , do not attend work whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Individuals offered employment with North Yorkshire Council will be subject to the Workplace Substance Misuse policy. For safety critical roles as detailed above, random alcohol and drug testing may take place during the course of employment.





It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults at risk.





We are committed to the inclusion, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk*

Early Years Room Lead

Salary:

29,064 - 31,537

Posted:

27/01/2026

Closing date:

08/02/2026

Closing time:

23:59