Job Description

Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Salary: 28,000 to 36,000 per year
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Join Our Award-Winning Nursery Group!

Little Barn Owls Nursery Group, based in West Sussex, was recently crowned

Nursery World's 2024 Winner for Enabling Environments

-- and we're now hiring an enthusiastic

Room Leader

to join our team!

This is a unique opportunity to work in a

Reggio Emilia-inspired

, Forest & Farm School setting that truly puts children, creativity, and nature first.

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Room Leader, you'll lead a team of educators and guide daily learning experiences for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Your role will be hands-on, creative, and full of outdoor adventures.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage a room team to deliver outstanding childcare Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities Support, mentor, and motivate your team members Maintain a safe, nurturing, and well-organised environment Build meaningful relationships with children and their families Take on key person duties including documentation and observations Reflect regularly to improve practices and outcomes Work closely with leadership to meet and exceed EYFS standards
What We're Looking For:

Level 3 (or higher) childcare qualification

Experience in an early years setting (leadership experience a bonus) Sound knowledge of the

EYFS

and safeguarding procedures A genuine passion for child development and outdoor learning Positive, proactive mindset and excellent team spirit Familiarity with the

Reggio Emilia approach

(training provided if not)
Development & Training:

All new Room Leaders are enrolled in our

in-house Training Academy

(after a 3-month induction), where you'll complete a 12-module development programme supported by a mentor.

You'll also have opportunities for

international CPD

, artist collaboration, and leadership training.

What We Offer:

Up to 36,000 salary

80% childcare discount

All-expenses-paid international training trips

33 days annual leave

(incl. bank holidays) Seasonal bonuses and long-service rewards Employee wellbeing programme, EAP & cash health plan Option to buy/sell annual leave Staff social events, fun days, and meals out Career progression within an award-winning group Work with professional

Atelieristas

(artists) in beautiful creative studios
Working Hours:

Monday to Friday, between 7:30am - 6:00pm Full-time only (we do not currently offer term-time or school-hour roles)
Important Info:

All applicants require an

Enhanced DBS check

and references We are an

equal opportunities employer

and committed to safeguarding children and staff
About Us:

Little Barn Owls operates four unique and inspiring nurseries across West Sussex. We are proud of our

Reggio Emilia, forest school, and farm school influences

, with a strong focus on creativity, child-led exploration, and emotional wellbeing.

UK Nursery Group of the Year - Nursery World 2020
UK Nursery of the Year - Nursery World 2015

Apply Now

on Indeed and start your next big adventure with Little Barn Owls. We can't wait to meet you!

#INDSW

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,000.00-36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Childcare Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Employee mentoring programme Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you hold a Level 3 qualification in childcare?
Experience:

Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person