Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship

Deputy Room Leader – Role Overview:

The Deputy Room Leader is a qualified childcare professional responsible for the day-to-day running of their room. They provide high-quality care and education, maintain a stimulating learning environment, and support staff development. Acting as a creative and reflective leader, they model best practice, implement new ideas, and contribute to continual improvement across the nursery.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead by example, maintaining professionalism and being a positive role model for children and staff. Support the management team in sustaining a Good Ofsted rating and working towards Outstanding. Ensure the welfare and safety of all children by following safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality procedures. Organise daily routines, risk assessments, and room checks to ensure consistent, high-quality care. Work in partnership with parents and carers, building trust through open communication, daily diaries, observations, and use of EY log. Be a key person, setting weekly targets for key children, planning activities to meet individual needs, and supporting learning through a curiosity-based approach. Provide a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment both indoors and outdoors, respecting children’s abilities, interests, language, and cultural backgrounds. Deploy staff and resources effectively, maintaining statutory ratios at all times, including during breaks and outdoor play. Oversee room planning, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and aligned with EYFS requirements. Mentor and support staff through effective communication, delegating tasks, sharing knowledge, and identifying training needs. Assist with inductions, 1:1s, staff meetings, and peer observations. Encourage teamwork by reflecting on practice, valuing colleagues’ skills, and embracing flexibility to ensure the smooth running of the nursery. Uphold nursery policies and procedures, addressing breaches appropriately. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, challenging any behaviours that do not align with nursery values. Actively participate in training, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities, including completing Noodle Now modules as required. Support the overall success of Tender Years Day Nursery by contributing to a positive, professional image and undertaking additional duties when required. The Deputy Room Leader plays a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of care, education, and leadership within the nursery, working closely with the management team to inspire and support both children and staff.

Training:

The training will take place within the nursery setting

A Development Coach will be allocated to the learner for their learning and will have 121s each month with a mixture of blended learning - Teams and F2F

Training Outcome:

When there is a role available for Room Leader or Deputy as you have the experience, you will be able to apply.

Employer Description:
Little Pumpkins Nursery is a group of privately run nurseries across South East London. We provide quality childcare and a learning program in accordance with the standards set forth by Ofsted. Little Pumpkins Nursery offers full and part-time placements for children as young as twelve weeks, up to school transition age of five years. We’re dedicated, not only to the care of your child, but also to nurturing their development at such an influential age. Established to provide a premium solution to the lack of high quality and affordable child care in the London area, Little Pumpkins Nursery provided a safe and welcoming environment.

Working Hours :
Monday – Friday 40 hours per week Varies between 4 or 5 days per week Start time 7.30am – 6pm

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Team working,Creative,Patience