Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Salary: £27,000 to £32,000 per year
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Join Our Award-Winning Nursery Group!
Little Barn Owls Nursery Group, based in West Sussex, was recently crowned Nursery World’s 2024 Winner for Enabling Environments — and we’re now hiring an enthusiastic Deputy Room Leader to join our team!
This is a unique opportunity to work in a Reggio Emilia-inspired, Forest & Farm School setting that truly puts children, creativity, and nature first.
What You’ll Be Doing:
As a Room Leader, you’ll lead a team of educators and guide daily learning experiences for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Your role will be hands-on, creative, and full of outdoor adventures.

• Support in leading and managing a room team to deliver outstanding childcare
• Support to plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities
• Support, mentor, and motivate your team members
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and well-organised environment
• Build meaningful relationships with children and their families
• Take on key person duties including documentation and observations
• Reflect regularly to improve practices and outcomes
• Work closely with leadership to meet and exceed EYFS standards

What We’re Looking For:

• Level 3 (or higher) childcare qualification
• Experience in an early years setting (leadership experience a bonus)
• Sound knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures
• A genuine passion for child development and outdoor learning
• Positive, proactive mindset and excellent team spirit
• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia approach (training provided if not)

Development & Training:
All new Deputy Room Leaders are enrolled in our in-house Training Academy (after a 3-month induction), where you’ll complete a 12-module development programme supported by a mentor.
You’ll also have opportunities for international CPD, artist collaboration, and leadership training.

What We Offer:

• Up to £32,000 salary
• 80% childcare discount
• All-expenses-paid international training trips
• 33 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays)
• Seasonal bonuses and long-service rewards
• Employee wellbeing programme, EAP & cash health plan
• Option to buy/sell annual leave
• Staff social events, fun days, and meals out
• Career progression within an award-winning group
• Work with professional Atelieristas (artists) in beautiful creative studios

Working Hours:

• Monday to Friday, between 7:30am – 6:00pm
• Full-time only (we do not currently offer term-time or school-hour roles)

Important Info:

• All applicants require an Enhanced DBS check and references
• We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding children and staff

About Us:
Little Barn Owls operates four unique and inspiring nurseries across West Sussex. We are proud of our Reggio Emilia, forest school, and farm school influences, with a strong focus on creativity, child-led exploration, and emotional wellbeing.
UK Nursery Group of the Year – Nursery World 2020
UK Nursery of the Year – Nursery World 2015
Apply Now on Indeed and start your next big adventure with Little Barn Owls. We can’t wait to meet you!
Deputy Room Leader, Nursery Room Supervisor, Early Years Deputy, Assistant Room Leader, Senior Nursery Practitioner, EYFS Room Deputy, Early Years Team Leader, Nursery Floor Supervisor, Childcare Team Leader, Preschool Deputy Leader, Assistant Nursery Room Manager, Early Years Room Coordinator, Deputy Key Worker, Room-Based Deputy Practitioner, Nursery Support Leader.