Jake Clarke
Jake Clarke
Recruitment Consultant
Hi I'm Jake, I’m a people first recruiter who genuinely cares about supporting candidates through what can be a major career move. I’m professional, approachable, and very hands on in how I work, taking the time to understand the person behind the CV and what they’re really looking for.
I focus on clear communication, honesty, and making the process as smooth and stress free as possible. I keep candidates updated at every stage, make sure they feel supported and prepared, and I don’t disappear once things get busy. I also bring a good sense of humour into my work, which helps put people at ease and makes the experience far more human.
One candidate I placed summed it up perfectly:
“I had the pleasure of working with Jake from Willing Care Recruitment and I can honestly say he’s one of the best recruiters I’ve ever dealt with. From start to finish, Jake was professional, approachable and genuinely invested in finding the right opportunity for me. He has a great sense of humour, which made the whole process enjoyable and stress free, but what really stands out is how he goes above and beyond for his clients. Jake kept me updated every step of the way and made sure I felt supported and prepared throughout the process.”
Anonymous, candidate placed via Willing Care Recruitment
"I’m basically the friend who hypes you up, fixes your CV, and still reminds you to drink water before the interview."
Outside of work, I enjoy good food, discovering new music, and keeping fit at the gym.
If you’re ready to make a move, apply now or search for the right role and let’s get you sorted.
Jobs by Jake Clarke
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Nursery Apprentice (Level 2)
Dagenham26395.2Nursery Apprentice (Early Years Level 2)– Up to £12.60 per hour – Full-Time This nursery supports children’s learning through consistent routines and a broad range of daily activities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage. As a Nursery Apprentice, you will work alongside qualified practitioners while completing a Level 2 Early Years qualification, contributing to care, learning, and routines across the setting. Full-time hours are offered within an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with clear structure and supervision. Before You Apply This role requires prior experience working in a nursery or early years setting. GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English are essential. This position is not suitable for candidates without relevant early years experience. Key Job Details Pay: Up to £13 per hour Hours: Full-time Contract: Apprenticeship (Level 2 Early Years) Setting: Early years nursery Ofsted: Rated Good Why This Role Is Worth Considering Opportunity to gain a Level 2 Early Years qualification while working Day-to-day learning alongside experienced, qualified practitioners Structured training plan with clear expectations Stable full-time hours in an established nursery setting Exposure to a wide range of EYFS activities and age groups What You’ll Need Previous experience in a nursery or early years setting GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) Willingness to work towards a Level 2 Early Years qualification Reliability and ability to follow guidance and routines Desirable Experience supporting EYFS activities Familiarity with nursery policies and safeguarding procedures What You’ll Do Support daily care routines for children across the nursery Assist with planned learning activities linked to the EYFS Observe children’s development and contribute to records with guidance Maintain safe, clean, and engaging learning environments Work closely with room staff to ensure consistent care standards What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to discuss experience and eligibility. Next steps are clear, professional, and communicated throughout. Reference: WILL200808/JC -
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Pre-School Room Leader
Purley30160Preschool Room Leader (Level 3) – £14.50 per hour – Permanent The preschool room forms part of a well-established nursery caring for children from 3 months to 5 years, with spacious, age-specific rooms and regular access to outdoor play. Practice in the preschool room is structured and purposeful, supporting children as they prepare for school while maintaining a calm, consistent day-to-day routine. Before You Apply This role requires recent experience working in a preschool or nursery setting. Applicants must hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification. Key Job Details Pay: £14.50 per hour Hours: 40 hours per week, worked over 4 days Setting: Private day nursery Age range: Preschool (within a 3 months–5 years nursery) Why This Role Is Worth Considering A well-established preschool room with clear routines and expectations Large, bright rooms designed to support school readiness Regular use of outdoor space as part of daily practice Four-day working week with a consistent pattern Benefits including discounted childcare, lunch provided on shift, bonus scheme, length of service rewards, and team events What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Recent experience in a preschool or nursery setting Confidence leading planning, routines, and staff practice Strong understanding of EYFS and safeguarding requirements Desirable Previous experience as a Preschool Room Leader or Deputy Paediatric First Aid certification What You’ll Do Lead the daily running of the preschool room Oversee planning and delivery of the EYFS for preschool-aged children Maintain safeguarding, welfare, and quality standards Support and guide practitioners working within the room Work closely with parents to support children’s transition to school What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Suitable candidates will be contacted directly. The process is clear, professional, and straightforward. Reference: WILL200247/JC -
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Nursery Practitioner - Lunch Cover
Purley14040Nursery Practitioner (Level 3) – £13.50 per hour – Lunch Cover – Permanent The nursery provides care for toddlers and preschool children in a beautiful Victorian building. You will support children during lunchtime routines and daily activities, ensuring a safe, calm environment while helping to maintain established routines and learning opportunities. Before You Apply Applicants must hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification. Recent experience working with young children in a nursery setting is required. This position is not suitable for candidates without experience supporting daily routines and classroom practice. Key Job Details Pay: £13.50 per hour Hours: 10:00–14:00 Contract: Permanent, Lunch Cover Setting: Private day nursery Why This Role Is Worth Considering Work with a stable, experienced team within established routines Contribute to children’s development during a structured part of the day Benefits: including discounted childcare, lunch provided on shift, pension, bonus scheme, length of service rewards, funded training and qualifications, team events, and clear progression opportunities Focused, consistent hours supporting work-life balance What You’ll Need Level 3 Early Years qualification or above Proven experience in a nursery setting Ability to maintain safe and structured routines Knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements What You’ll Do Support children during lunch and midday routines Ensure safety, welfare, and calm organisation of the room Assist in delivering EYFS and literacy-based activities during the lunch period Work alongside practitioners and room leaders to maintain consistency Supervise and encourage independence and social skills during mealtimes and play What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. Next steps are clear and handled professionally throughout. Reference: WILL200379/JC -
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Nursery Practitioner - Lunch Cover
Carshalton14040Nursery Practitioner (Level 3) – £13.50 per hour – Lunch Cover – Permanent The nursery provides care for children across multiple age groups, following the EYFS alongside a literacy-based curriculum. The role covers the lunch period, supporting routines, mealtimes, and safe, calm supervision. Before You Apply Applicants must hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification. Recent experience working with young children in a nursery setting is required. This position is not suitable for candidates without experience supporting daily routines and classroom practice. Key Job Details Pay: £13.50 per hour Hours: 10:00–14:00 Contract: Permanent, Lunch Cover Setting: Private day nursery Why This Role Is Worth Considering Work with a stable, experienced team within established routines Contribute to children’s development during a structured part of the day Benefits: including discounted childcare, lunch provided on shift, pension, bonus scheme, length of service rewards, funded training and qualifications, team events, and clear progression opportunities Focused, consistent hours supporting work-life balance What You’ll Need Level 3 Early Years qualification or above Proven experience in a nursery setting Ability to maintain safe and structured routines Knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements What You’ll Do Support children during lunch and midday routines Ensure safety, welfare, and calm organisation of the room Assist in delivering EYFS and literacy-based activities during the lunch period Work alongside practitioners and room leaders to maintain consistency Supervise and encourage independence and social skills during mealtimes and play What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. Next steps are clear and handled professionally throughout. Reference: WILL200346/JC -
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Third In Charge
Beddington31720Third in Charge (Level 3) – £31,720 – Permanent The nursery is based in a beautiful Victorian house, with spacious, age-specific rooms for toddlers and preschool children and a dedicated outdoor play area. Day-to-day practice is nurturing, with routines that support learning, independence, and school readiness. This role sits between room leadership and management, with shared responsibility for standards, staff support, and operational organisation. Before You Apply This role requires prior experience as a Third in Charge or Room Leader. You must have a full and relevant Level 3 (or above) Early Years Qualification This position is not suitable for candidates without leadership experience in a nursery setting. Key Job Details Salary: £31,720 per year Hours: 40 hours per week, worked across 4 days Setting: Private day nursery Age Group: Toddlers and Pre-School Why This Role Is Worth Considering A clearly defined leadership role with shared responsibility, not sole charge A stable nursery with established routines and consistent staffing A physical environment designed to feel calm and domestic rather than clinical Four-day working week Benefits including free lunch, pension, training, bonus scheme, length of service rewards, and team events What You’ll Need Essential Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Proven experience as a Third in Charge or Room Leader Confidence supporting staff practice and operational decisions Strong working knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements Desirable Additional safeguarding or leadership training What You’ll Do Support the day-to-day running of the nursery alongside senior leaders Act as a point of guidance for room leaders and practitioners Maintain safeguarding, welfare, and quality standards across the setting Contribute to staffing organisation, ratios, and daily decisions Step into leadership cover when required What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. Next steps are clear and handled professionally throughout. Reference: WILL200313/JC INDACC -
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Baby Room Leader
Carshalton30160Nursery Room Leader (Level 3) – Babies – £30,160 The baby room sits within a bright, spacious nursery with beautiful rooms and generous outdoor space used daily. Practice is calm, consistent, and well-established, with an experienced team in place. The Room Leader role focuses on maintaining quality, supporting staff, and providing steady, attentive care for babies. Before You Apply This role requires recent experience working in a nursery. Applicants must hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification. This position is not suitable for candidates without room leadership experience. Key Job Details Pay: £14.50 per hour Hours: 40 hours per week, worked over 4 days Setting: Private day nursery, baby room Age group: Babies Why This Role Is Worth Considering Clear room leadership responsibility with defined expectations Consistent staffing structure and established routines Well-resourced indoor and outdoor learning spaces Benefits including discounted childcare, lunch provided on shift, bonus scheme, length of service rewards, and team events What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Proven experience working in a baby room (Desirable) Confidence leading practice and supporting other practitioners Strong understanding of EYFS, safeguarding, and welfare requirements What You’ll Do Lead the daily running of the baby room and maintain consistent routines Ensure high standards of care, safety, and safeguarding at all times Plan and oversee age-appropriate activities in line with EYFS Support, guide, and supervise staff working within the room Communicate clearly with parents about children’s care and development What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Suitable candidates will be contacted directly with next steps. Reference: WILL200280/JC -
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Nursery Room Leader
Woodford Green30000Nursery Room Leader (Level 3) - £30,000+ per year | Full-time | Permanent We’re recruiting an experienced Nursery Room Leader (Level 3) to join a nurturing, home from home nursery. This setting is thoughtfully designed around the child. Each age group has its own dedicated room, carefully planned to reflect the seven areas of learning, with a strong focus on learning through play. The nursery also benefits from an all-seasons outdoor play area, giving children the freedom to explore, learn and grow in nature all year round. You’ll be joining a warm, supportive team of experienced practitioners who genuinely care about creating a safe, secure and inspiring environment for every child. Salary & key details Salary: From £30,000 per year (depending on experience and qualifications) Qualification required: Level 3 in Early Years Age range: 3 months – pre-school Setting: Home-from-home nursery with dedicated age rooms Contract: Permanent, full-time Why this role stands out This is a fantastic opportunity if you’re ready to step into a confident leadership role while still being hands-on with the children. You’ll have the autonomy to lead your room your way, supported by a management team that values quality, consistency and professional growth. What you’ll need Level 3 qualification in Early Years (essential) Previous experience as a Room Leader or in a similar senior nursery role Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development Confident leadership, communication and organisational skills A genuine passion for helping children feel safe, happy and inspired every day What you’ll get in return Discounted childcare Company pension & sick pay scheme Ongoing training and professional development Staff rewards, recognition and team events A supportive, family-feel workplace where your contribution is valued Your role as Nursery Room Leader Lead, support and inspire your room team to deliver high-quality care and education Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities in line with the EYFS Act as a key point of contact for parents, building strong, trusting relationships Observe, assess and track children’s development, ensuring individual needs are met Create and maintain a safe, stimulating and well-organised learning environment Support children’s transitions and prepare them confidently for their next stage of learning Interested? If you’re an experienced Early Years professional looking to lead in a nursery that truly lives its values, we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Apply now or get in touch to find out more about this Nursery Room Leader opportunity. Reference: WILL199224/JC INDACC -
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Nursery Manager
Wandsworth40000Nursery Manager (Level 3+) – Early Years This nursery in Wandsworth provides full-day care within a calm, home from home early years setting. The role carries overall responsibility for daily operations, quality of practice, and team leadership, while remaining actively involved on the floor. Before You Apply This role requires recent experience in a nursery management or deputy management position. A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) is essential. Applicants must be comfortable leading practice, supporting staff, and being hands-on when needed. Key Job Details Salary: Up to £45,000 per year (depending on experience) Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week Setting: Early years nursery Location: Wandsworth, London Why This Role Is Worth Considering Opportunity to lead a stable nursery with clear values and expectations Balance of leadership responsibility and hands-on practice Supportive ownership and clear operational structure Focus on staff development, retention, and wellbeing Benefits: Company pension, day off for your birthday, refreshments provided and much more! What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) Experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager Strong working knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted expectations Confidence managing staff performance, rotas and daily operations A values-led approach to leadership and childcare What You’ll Do Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery Lead, support and develop practitioners at all levels Maintain high standards of care, learning and safeguarding Remain present in rooms, modelling good early years practice Build positive, professional relationships with families Ensure compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory requirements What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly with clear next steps. Reference: WILL197834/JC INDACC -
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Nursery Practitioner
Wandsworth32000Nursery Practitioner (Level 3) – Early Years This nursery provides full-day care for children in a settled, home from home early years setting. The role involves consistent responsibility for children’s daily care, learning and wellbeing within a small, established team. Before You Apply This role requires recent experience working in a nursery or early years setting. A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification is essential. Applicants must be confident delivering EYFS practice day to day. Key Job Details Salary: £27,000–£32,000 per year (depending on experience) Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week Setting: Early years nursery Why This Role Is Worth Considering Stable staffing structure with experienced room leaders Clear routines and manageable group sizes Consistent support with planning, safeguarding and compliance Paid training and ongoing professional development Benefits: Company pension, day off for your birthday, bonus scheme and much more! What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Previous experience in a nursery or early years setting Working knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements Confidence managing daily routines and responsibilities Clear communication and reliable teamwork skills Desirable Experience working with babies or toddlers Additional safeguarding or SEND training Familiarity with nursery documentation and observations What You’ll Do Provide daily care and early years education in line with the EYFS Support children’s learning, development and emotional wellbeing Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities with the room team Maintain a safe, clean and organised learning environment Communicate professionally with parents and carers Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and allergy procedures What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly by the hiring team. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly with clear next steps. The process is professional, straightforward, and respectful of your time. Reference: WILL197801/JC INDACC -
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Room Leader
Camberley29640Nursery Room Leader (Level 3) – Up to £14.25 per hour Are you a confident early years professional ready to shape something new? Join a beautiful setting as it transitions from a pre-school to a full day nursery—your chance to influence how it grows. If you love creating nurturing, play-rich environments, this is a role where your ideas genuinely matter. Quick Role Snapshot Salary: Up to £14.25 per hour Hours: 40 hours per week Location: Camberley Why This Job Is Worth Your Click Be part of an exciting transition from pre-school to full day nursery—shape routines, environments, and room culture. Work in a calming, beautiful setting with a spacious outdoor garden designed for curiosity and exploration. Genuine career development with funded training & progression pathways. Enjoy the convenience of onsite parking and a reliable pension scheme. Have real autonomy to create child-centred experiences and build strong foundations for every child. What You’ll Need Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or equivalent). Experience leading a room and a team. Strong knowledge of the EYFS and child-centred practice. What You’ll Do Lead your room team to create a warm, nurturing environment Plan and deliver engaging activities that support early learning and development. Support the smooth transition to extended opening hours and new routines. Build strong relationships with families, keeping communication open and positive. Ensure high-quality practice, safeguarding, and EYFS standards are maintained. What Happens After You Apply Once you apply, you’ll receive a quick response from the hiring team. If shortlisted, you’ll be guided through a simple, friendly interview process—no long waits, no complicated steps. Reference: WILL191336/JC INDACC