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: 33.33 hours per week (33 hours and 20 minutes), 8.30am - 3.30pm Monday to Friday

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

Commencement date: September 2026

Welcome to Little Sunlights - OPENING SEPTEMBER 2026!

Welcome to Little Sunlights - OPENING SEPTEMBER 2026! 

Little Sunlights Nursery, a much-loved nursery, is excited to announce it is now coming to Portsmouth. Set within the grounds of (but independently from) Milton Park Primary School, Little Sunlights Nursery will be opening its doors in September 2026. 

We will be providing care and education for children aged from two to four years, term time only. At Little Sunlights Nurseries, we create a nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can shine. Our setting includes daily access to our outdoor space and unique links with the school. 

We are looking for inspiring and dedicated practitioners to join our team. It’s an exciting time to open a setting with a fresh vision and exciting curriculum to give every child the best possible start they need. 

Although the nursery is opening in September 2026, you may need to be available for some dates in August to assist with getting the setting ready to open and undertake necessary training. 

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
• A Nest pension scheme
• Free Enhanced DBS
• £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.