Nursery Room Lead (24-36 Months)

Woodlands Primary School – “Squirrels” Nursery Room

Nursery Room Lead (24–36 Months) – Inspiring Early Years Leadership in a Primary School Setting
Location: Woodlands Primary School, Ellesmere Port
Position: Part-Time | Term-Time with Optional Holiday/Wraparound Hours | Permanent
Salary: Grade 7 (Specialist TA Level) (£30,060-£33,366 pro-rata)
Start Date: 1st September 2025

Lead Outstanding Practice in an Expanding Nursery Setting

Woodlands Primary School is excited to advertise for a Nursery Room Lead for our much-loved and over-subscribed Squirrels Room, which caters for children aged 24–36 months. As part of our innovative early years provision — which now spans from 9 months to 4+ — this role offers the unique opportunity to lead learning at a critical transition stage in a setting known for its warmth, ambition, and innovation.

We are seeking a skilled, nurturing and dynamic individual to lead our 2–3 year olds with confidence and care. This is a chance to make a tangible difference at a crucial phase in a child’s development, working within a well-resourced, purpose-adapted environment and supported by a highly experienced EYFS leadership team.

What Makes This Role Unique

An opportunity to lead practice in a school-based nursery room, bridging early learning with mainstream education.

A setting that places equal emphasis on care, curiosity, communication, and creativity.

Part of a vibrant, progressive school community rated Good by Ofsted, with strong outcomes and inclusive values.

A rich culture of collaboration across nursery, pre-school and Reception teams.

Direct support from the EYFS Phase Lead, Senior Leadership Team, and LA Early Years advisors.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the planning and delivery of age-appropriate, play-based learning aligned with the EYFS and Birth to 5 Matters.

Create an enabling, secure, and inclusive environment that meets the developmental needs of 2–3 year olds.

Support, coach, and inspire your team to deliver high-quality interactions, routines and curriculum outcomes.

Track, monitor, and reflect on children's progress and wellbeing using the school’s systems and guidance.

Serve as a Key Person, forming strong attachments and nurturing children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Ensure excellent standards of health, hygiene, safeguarding, and intimate care.

Develop respectful, professional relationships with parents, carers, and external professionals.

Contribute to reflective practice and strategic development of the nursery as a whole.

Deputise for the Nursery teacher in their absence.

What We’re Looking For

A Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years Education.

Considerable experience of working with 2–3 year olds, ideally in a room lead or senior practitioner role.

In-depth understanding of child development from 24–36 months, including speech and language development, toilet training, and emotional regulation.

Strong leadership and organisational skills with the ability to motivate others and maintain high standards.

Confidence working with school-based systems for planning, observation, and assessment.

A child-centred, reflective approach grounded in inclusive practice and safeguarding.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative and professional manner.

What We Offer

A rewarding leadership role in a growing, high-quality early years setting.

Strong, visible support from senior leaders and the local authority.

Access to bespoke CPD and leadership development, including EY leadership pathways.

A purpose-adapted nursery environment with beautiful indoor and outdoor learning spaces.

Local Government Pension Scheme access and competitive salary (Grade 7).

A chance to shape best practice in a setting that is raising the bar for early education in schools.

Visit to school offered on Wednesday 21 May at 4pm.  Please email or phone school to book.

How to Apply

Any questions or to discuss this role further, please contact:  Mrs Sue Moss
Email: admin@woodlands.cheshire.sch.uk     Phone: 0151 329 3164

Closing Date: 09:00, Monday 2nd June 2025
Interviews: 4th–6th June 2025

Woodlands Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance, online search and satisfactory references.

Please post/hand or email completed application to the school - admin@woodlands.cheshire.sch.uk