Job Role: Room Lead

Location: Milton Park Primary School, Eastney Road, Southsea, PO4 8ET

Salary: £14.75 per hour dependant on experience and qualifications

Hours: 40 hours per week, 7.40am to 6.00pm worked over 4 days

Working Weeks: Term time only (39 weeks per year)

Commencement date: September 2026

Welcome to Little Sunlights - OPENING SEPTEMBER 2026!

Little Sunlights is a much-loved nursery, set within the grounds of (but independently from) Milton Park Primary School. We provide care and education for children aged four months to four years, term time only. Our setting includes extensive outdoor space, daily access to our Nature Nursery and unique links with the school – with pupils visiting each morning to read, play and build relationships with our children.

We are looking for an inspiring and dedicated Room Lead. It’s an exciting time, with a refreshed vision, an evolving curriculum and a team committed to giving every child the best possible start. This is an exciting opportunity to join a close-knit team who care deeply about what they do, and you won’t be doing it all alone.

Whether you’re an experienced Room Lead or an ambitious practitioner ready for your next step, we’ll make sure you have what you need to succeed.

Though the nursery is opening in September 2026, you will need to be available for some dates in August to assist with getting the setting ready to open.

About the role

As Room Lead, you will oversee the daily running of your area – supporting your team, delivering a high-quality curriculum and ensuring all children are safe, happy and thriving.

The Ideal Candidate will:

• have experience in early childhood education
• show a genuine passion for childcare and the ability to drive children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
• have the ability to plan and deliver an engaging, inclusive EYFS curriculum that reflects our values and community – indoors and out
• have a strong understanding of early childhood education principles and practices.
• be able to show patience, creativity, and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of young learners.
• have experience of supporting and coaching colleagues
• be an excellent team player
• build warm, professional relationships with families and carers
• demonstrate reliability and punctuality
• have a Level 3 Early Years Qualification or above

Attractive Benefits:

• A Competitive Salary
• Generous leave package: 4.8 weeks + Bank Holidays (plus an additional day after 1 years service) plus the option to buy an additional weeks annual leave.
• A Nest pension scheme
• Free Enhanced DBS
• Onsite parking and daily hot lunch provided
• £13 towards flu jab & £25 towards an eye test
• Uniform provided : Polo’s, T-shirts & fleece
• Discounted childcare at Little Sunlights
• Opportunities for further education and professional development
• Be part of Gateway Central Services in The Gateway Trust, an organisation dedicated to supporting the local community

Apply Now: 

Visit our website for more details: https://www.littlesunlights.co.uk 

We also welcome visits to the nursery. To arrange one, please email jobs@gatewaytrust.org.

We may conduct interviews before the closing date for exceptional applicants, so apply as soon as possible!

To find out more, please email jobs@gatewaytrust.org  who will be happy to provide you with any information you may need.

The Gateway Trust is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service.