Room Leader – Ellingham House Day Nursery

Location: Ellingham Drive, near New Forest National Park

Full-Time | 40 hours per week

Salary: £30,180 per annum

Lead with heart in a truly magical setting.

Ellingham House Day Nursery is nestled in a stunning Georgian country house surrounded by 2.5 acres of lush lawns and woodland. Our tranquil location offers children the chance to explore nature, climb, balance, and even care for our resident Valais Blacknose sheep — Baarbara and Soozie! With beautifully refurbished rooms and a warm, home-from-home atmosphere, we’re proud to provide a nurturing space where children feel safe, supported, and inspired.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

£750 Welcome Bonus

to start your journey with us

£400 Qualification Recognition Bonus

after 6 months

Generous Annual Leave : 24 days + your birthday off + bank holidays

75% Childcare Discount

for your own children

Health & Wellbeing Support : Confidential helpline available

Career Development : Tailored training and progression opportunities

Company Pension Scheme

Referral Bonuses

for bringing great people into our team

Free Onsite Parking

Team Events & Celebrations

throughout the year

Career Progression Opportunities

within a supportive and inspiring environment

Your Role as Room Leader:

Create engaging, age-appropriate experiences and environments for children

Support children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual development

Lead and mentor your team, ensuring high-quality observations via EyLog

Promote a strong key person approach and identify training needs

Maintain accurate records using EyMan and ensure EYFS compliance

Ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, staff, and families

Act as a role model, demonstrating professionalism, consistency, and care

What We’re Looking For:

Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare Qualification

– Essential

1+ Year Experience in Early Years

– Essential

6+ Months in a Senior Role

– Desirable

Knowledge of EYFS & Ofsted standards

– Desirable

Fluent in written and spoken English

– Essential

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and thorough vetting procedures.

Ellingham House is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.