Early Years Room Leader
Crigglestone Nursery School, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 3EB34 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
1 June 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
28 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 Hours per week, Term Time Only
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £32,061 - £34,434
What skills and experience we're looking for
Inspire curiosity. Nurture wonder. Lead with heart.
Are you an early years professional who believes deeply in the magic of childhood?
Do you see learning in muddy hands, open-ended play, storytelling, and the quiet moments of connection?
We are looking for a passionate, reflective and ambitious Room Leader who will create a space where children feel safe, valued and full of possibility.
Our approach is inspired by The Curiosity Approach— where authentic resources, beautiful environments and child-led exploration allow curiosity to thrive.
If you are someone who:
- delights in loose parts and open-ended materials
- creates calm, inviting, meaningful spaces
- listens closely to children’s ideas and follows their lead
…then you will feel at home here.
What the school offers its staff
Exciting news… and a rare opportunity to shape something special
Crigglestone Nursery School has been awarded DfE School-Based Nursery funding to expand our provision for 2-3 year-olds.
Our new space is already taking shape, with building works underway and a planned opening in September 2026. Now we are looking for something just as important as the environment itself…
An exceptional Room Leader to bring it to life.
This is a unique opportunity to create, lead and inspire a brand-new 2–3 year old room from the very beginning — shaping the vision, the culture and the daily experiences of our youngest children.
Further information about the job
About the Role
As our2–3 Year Old Room Leader, you won’t just lead a room — you will build it from the ground up.
You will shape an environment where:
- curiosity is celebrated
- independence is nurtured
- relationships are at the heart of everything
You will lead a small team, inspiring high-quality practice and ensuring every child experiences exceptional care, learning and wellbeing.
What You Will Do
Lead an Inspiring Team
- Lead, support and inspire your team through excellent early years practice
- Coach and mentor practitioners to grow in confidence and skill
- Create calm, responsive routines that honour young children’s rhythms
- Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to maintain high standards
Create a Curious Learning Environment
- Design rich, meaningful experiences based on children’s interests
- Develop a beautiful, authentic space inspired by The Curiosity Approach
- Support development across the EYFS and our bespoke curriculum
- Foster communication, confidence and independence through play
Observe, Reflect and Plan
- Tune into children’s interests, schemas and development
- Use observations to plan thoughtful next steps
- Maintain high-quality learning records, including 2-year progress checks
Safeguard and Nurture
- Ensure every child feels safe, secure and emotionally supported
- Promote kindness, belonging and positive behaviour
- Follow safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times
Work in Partnership with Families
- Build warm, trusting relationships with parents and carers
- Share and celebrate children’s learning journeys
Champion Inclusion
- Ensure every child feels seen, valued and included
- Work with the SENDCo and external professionals to support all learners
- Create a culture where diversity is respected and celebrated
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (full and relevant) or above
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS and child development
- Experience working within early years
- Experience leading or supporting a team
- Understanding of safeguarding and SEND
- Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to gain)
Desirable
- Experience with 2–3 year olds
- Experience in Good or Outstanding settings
- Experience in a maintained nursery school or school-based nursery
- Knowledge or experience of The Curiosity Approach
- Experience developing practice or leading others
Why Join Us?
You will be part of a federation of two maintained nursery schools that truly champion childhood.
We believe children deserve environments that are:
- beautiful
- thoughtful
- full of possibility
And we believe practitioners deserve to feel:
- trusted
- supported
- inspired
Together, we are building a place where:
- children are curious, confident and joyful
- staff are valued and empowered
- learning is driven by wonder, play and imagination
Safeguarding
The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff share this commitment.
Appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Medical clearance
- Satisfactory references
Location: Crigglestone Nursery School
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Closing Date: Monday 1st June 2026, noon
Interview Date: TBC
Completed application forms should be returned to KQuinn@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk
✨ Join us and help shape a place where curiosity grows and children thrive.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Crigglestone Nursery School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 2 to 4
- Education phase
- Nursery
- School size
- 88 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 4
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Crigglestone Nursery School website
- Email address
- jhunter@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01924 251151
We are two vibrant, inclusive maintained nursery schools working in strong partnership to provide high-quality early education for children aged 2–4.
Our ethos is rooted in nurture, inclusion, and curiosity. Inspired by The Curiosity Approach, our environments celebrate awe, wonder, and independence—helping every child to explore, question, and thrive.
Our vision: Nurture Children’s Natural Curiosity
Arranging a visit to Crigglestone Nursery School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email jhunter@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk.
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