Early Years Team Leader
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The vacancy
🌱 Nursery Team Leader – Rising 2s (Toddler Room)
Location: Little Trees Lansdown Nursery, Queen's Road, Cheltenham
Hours: Full time, working across 4.5 days per week, no weekends!
Salary: £13.35 per hour, however due to be increased in April
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Nursery Team Leader to lead our Rising 2s group, providing high-quality care and education during this crucial stage of early development.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident practitioner who thrives in a leadership role, understands the unique needs of toddlers, and is committed to delivering outstanding early years practice.
🌟 About the Role
As Team Leader for our Rising 2s group, you will:
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Lead, inspire and support a small team of practitioners within the toddler room
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Create a nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment that supports children’s emotional, physical and cognitive development
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Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities in line with the EYFS, with a strong focus on attachment, communication, and independence
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Act as a key person for a group of children, building strong relationships with families
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Monitor children’s progress, complete observations, and support next steps in learning
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Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, health & safety, and wellbeing
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Work closely with the Nursery Manager and Deputy to support room organisation, staffing, and continuous improvement
🧸 About You
We’re looking for someone who:
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Holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or above)
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Has experience working with toddlers / Rising 2s, ideally in a leadership or senior practitioner role
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Has a strong understanding of child development between 18–30 months
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Is warm, calm, and patient, with a nurturing approach
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Can lead by example and support team development
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Communicates confidently with parents and colleagues
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Is organised, reflective, and passionate about high-quality early years provision
💚 What We Offer
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** Sign Up Bonus of up to £250**
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A supportive and welcoming team environment
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Opportunities for career progression and professional development
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Ongoing training and mentoring
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Competitive salary and benefits including Paycare; cash health benefit and retail discounts
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Up to 50% childcare discount on fees
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The chance to make a real difference during a key stage of children’s development
If you are passionate about early years leadership and want to play a vital role in shaping children’s first experiences beyond babyhood, we would love to hear from you.
The Foundation
Dean Close Foundation is a growing, vibrant and diverse family of independent schools and nurseries, uniting around a shared vision and set of values. These spring from the origins of Dean Close School, which was founded in 1886 in memory of Dean Francis Close, Rector of Cheltenham and educational philanthropist. The Christian ethos of that original school continues today where the aim is that every child should be given the opportunities to flourish, underpinned by its core values of courage, contribution and love which are the guiding principles behind its educational vision. The Foundation currently has five schools and six nurseries within its group, creating a strong community that can share best practice, resources and a secure future.
Dean Close Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Some of our available benefits
Discounted tickets to the Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham
Cycle to Work Scheme for all staff
Enhanced holiday
Electric Car Scheme available for staff
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