Room Leader

Role Overview

Kiddi Caru Day Nursery Matford Green, part of Grandir UK, is hiring a caring and energetic Room Leader for its Exeter nursery. The role offers an hourly rate of £13.30 to £14.50, with pay depending on experience and qualifications and subject to regular reviews.

This is a great opportunity to join a child-centred setting that values supportive teamwork, flexible working, strong employee benefits and real opportunities to progress.

About the Nursery

The nursery follows a mixed approach influenced by Reggio Emilia and the Hygge philosophy, with an emphasis on creativity, exploration and children’s emotional wellbeing. Learning is led by the child and designed to build confidence, independence and a curiosity for discovery.

Based at Matford Green Business Park in Exeter, the nursery has a purpose-built setting with convenient access to the M5 and other major routes, plus nearby public transport links and on-site parking for families.

The team is experienced, well established and highly qualified, with dedicated SENCo support to help meet individual children’s needs. The nursery has a homely atmosphere and includes five age-based playrooms, a sensory room, a cosy library and a large outdoor garden with a growing area, sandpit and natural play spaces.

Children take part in activities such as Boogie Mites, Sing and Sign, yoga, Make and Bake, Sow and Grow, and Move and Groove. The nursery also makes regular local outings, including nature walks to nearby rivers. It is rated “Good” by Ofsted.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will help create a high-quality nursery environment by leading the room team, supporting children’s development and maintaining strong relationships with families and colleagues.

Key Duties

• Maintain high standards of practice and quality across the nursery room.
• Guide and oversee playroom staff in their daily work.
• Arrange staffing effectively so room standards are met and sustained.
• Carry out key carer procedures properly and assign children to key carers appropriately.
• Make sure day-to-day practice follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements.
• Share clear, professional updates with parents and carers about their child’s progress and wellbeing.
• Help promote the nursery to existing families and prospective customers.
• Build open, positive and respectful working relationships with colleagues.
• Support staff in developing professional and friendly relationships with parents and carers.

Benefits

• 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays, with 3 days taken during the Christmas shutdown.
• Christmas and New Year closure period.
• Flexible working arrangements available.
• Substantial childcare discount.
• £500 refer-a-friend payment.
• Employer pension contributions.
• Statutory Sick Pay available from day one.
• Life assurance for employees aged 18 to 65.
• Recognised as a Great Place to Work by current colleagues.
• Maternity and adoption leave paid at 100% for the first 12 weeks.
• Paternity leave paid at 100% for 4 weeks.
• Paid parental bereavement leave of up to 4 weeks.
• Paid compassionate leave of up to 2 weeks.
• Paid miscarriage leave of up to 2 weeks.
• An additional Wellbeing Day as an extra day off.
• Up to one extra week of annual leave for a major life event after 2 years of service.
• Access to a benefits portal with discounts on retail, gyms, cinema, restaurants and supermarkets.
• 24-hour remote GP appointments.
• Medical cashback for dental care, physiotherapy and alternative therapies.
• Year-round recognition, rewards and team celebrations.
• In-house training tailored to the role and genuine development opportunities.
• A sustainability-focused culture with Carbon Literacy training and Eco Schools accreditation.

Additional Information

Grandir UK is committed to protecting children and young people. This role requires an enhanced DBS check.

The organisation is an equal opportunities employer and hires on merit. AI-assisted tools may be used during recruitment for tasks such as application screening and reference checking, but final hiring decisions are made by the team.

Applications are reviewed as they arrive, and the vacancy may close early.