Join Our Team as Preschool Room Lead (2.5–5 years)
Pay: £27,500 – £29,000 | Full-Time | All-Year-Round – 40 hours
At Little Pearls Nursery, everything we do begins and ends with the children. For over 8 years, we’ve nurtured a warm, natural, and deeply respectful environment where little ones are truly seen, heard, and celebrated. As we expand to meet growing demand, we’re looking for an experienced Preschool Room Lead who shares our heart-led approach and is ready to guide our oldest learners (aged 2.5–5) through their final magical years before school.
This role would particularly suit someone with teaching experience or a background in school-based early years who is seeking a different pace and work-life balance — perhaps stepping away from term-time contracts, while continuing to make a meaningful educational impact. You’ll lead a small preschool class that thrives on high levels of challenge, independence, and creative exploration.
If you're a passionate educator who believes in following the child, creating joyful learning opportunities, and leading by example – you might be just who we’re looking for.
Visit us at www.littlepearls.co.uk to get a feel for who we are.
What Makes Little Pearls Special?
- We are proudly independent – no scripts, no chains, just thoughtful, child-centred care
- Our team is close-knit, compassionate and collaborative – many have been with us for 5+ years
- We blend natural learning environments with genuine, warm relationships
- Our ethos values slow childhoods, curiosity, connection, and high expectations in equal measure
- Families trust us, with 30+ children currently on our waiting list
About the Role
As Preschool Room Lead, you’ll take the reins of our oldest children’s room – building their confidence, supporting independence, and making sure they leave us feeling ready (and excited!) for school.
You’ll be guiding a small, experienced team and working hands-on with children every day – creating inspiring learning environments, fostering friendships, and nurturing each child’s unique journey. The Preschool room is currently strong, and we’re looking for someone to run with and continue to improve our current systems.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who may have previously worked in a school or Reception class setting and is now looking for a more flexible, rewarding all-year-round role — without compromising on professional challenge or high-quality practice.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the preschool room for children aged 2.5–5, shaping daily routines and learning experiences
- Design and deliver rich, meaningful activities in line with the EYFS, promoting school readiness through play
- Foster independence, emotional literacy, creativity, and a love for learning
- Be a key person to a small group of children, tracking their development and celebrating progress with families
- Mentor and support room practitioners, encouraging reflection, growth and continual improvement
- Build strong, open relationships with parents, offering real-time insight into each child’s day
- Ensure all practice meets safeguarding, health & safety, and EYFS standards
We’d Love to Hear From You If You…
- Hold a Level 3 or above Early Years qualification (essential)
- Have experience working with 2.5–5 year olds in a preschool or nursery setting
- Have a background in teaching or school-based early years and want to bring that expertise into a different kind of setting
- Are confident with the EYFS and know how to bring it to life through joyful, child-led learning
- Have leadership experience or feel ready to take that next step
- Are warm, grounded and calm – with excellent communication and a true team spirit
- Are motivated by quality, not ticking boxes – and never lose sight of the children at the heart of it all
Why Join Little Pearls?
We value our team and offer a generous range of benefits:
- Competitive salary, reviewed at the end of probation and annually
- Mileage and travel allowance for work-related journeys
- Free enhanced DBS check for all staff
- 50% childcare discount on non-funded hours at our nursery (conditions apply)
- Free hot lunch daily and access to a Nespresso coffee machine
- Flexible working patterns to support work-life balance
- Flexible dependent days to support school holidays and family needs
- 28 days of annual leave, including all bank holidays off
- Long service awards starting at 3 years
- Pay advances available when times are tough
- Travel cost loans to help with commuting or relocation
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Company pension scheme
- Paid bereavement leave
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential advice, counselling and more for you and your family, with staff discounts on shopping and travel etc.
- Tailored CPD and professional development, including leadership training
- Opportunities for promotion in a growing and forward-thinking organisation
- Employee mentoring programme to support your professional journey
- Wellness-focused workplace, including a health and wellbeing programme
- Casual dress code in a modern, purpose-built setting
- Free staff parking nearby
- Regular team socials and staff appreciation events
- Birthday gifts and bonuses to celebrate your special day
- Supportive, inclusive workplace culture grounded in strong values
We know that incredible early years professionals do this work because they care. At Little Pearls, you’ll be supported, respected, and empowered to make a difference every single day. We foster each of our team as individuals and aim to give them the experiences and training they seek for future progression.
Apply now to join our growing team — and help shape a joyful, thoughtful preschool experience that every child deserves.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,500.00-£29,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
- Do you hold at lease a minimum Level 3 Early Years and Childcare Qualification?
Experience:
- Room Lead: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Little Pearls Preschool Room Lead
