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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Deputy Nursery Manager
Coventry29000Deputy Nursery Manager £29,000 per annum 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday – 8:30am–5:30pm or 9:00am–5:30pm You will be working in a senior, supernumerary leadership position within an established early years nursery, working closely alongside the Head of Nursery and wider leadership team. The role provides dedicated time to oversee the toddler and pre-school rooms, support practitioners and contribute to the day-to-day organisation and quality of the setting without being routinely included within staffing ratios. You will be a visible and approachable senior presence, helping to develop practice, support families and maintain high standards of care, education and safeguarding. The role also provides scope to strengthen your leadership skills through ongoing training, mentoring and professional development. Why This Role Is Worth Considering £29,000 per annum, with some flexibility depending on experience and qualifications Genuine supernumerary leadership position, allowing dedicated time for leadership and staff support Six weeks' paid nursery closure/holiday each year, including two weeks at Christmas, two weeks at Easter and two weeks at the start of summer Bank holidays in addition to the six weeks' paid nursery closure Workplace pension scheme Access to training, mentoring and professional development, with opportunities to develop your leadership skills Large on-site car park available for staff What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Previous Room Leader or equivalent senior nursery experience Good understanding of the EYFS, child development and early years practice Secure knowledge of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities Experience supporting and developing other practitioners within a nursery environment Confident communication skills when working with children, colleagues and families A supportive and approachable leadership style, with the ability to take responsibility when required What You’ll Do Support the Head of Nursery with the effective day-to-day leadership and organisation of the setting Oversee the toddler and pre-school rooms, coordinating staff, routines and daily priorities Provide guidance, encouragement and professional support to practitioners, helping to strengthen their practice Monitor the quality of care and education, identifying areas for development and improvement Support high-quality EYFS practice, including children's development, assessment, planning and inclusive provision Build positive relationships with parents and carers, acting as an approachable senior point of contact Promote strong safeguarding, safe working practices and children's wellbeing, taking appropriate leadership responsibility when required All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities. Reference: WILL262900/JC -
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Nursery Practitioner
Coventry27040Nursery Practitioner £13.00 per hour 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday – 8:30am–5:30pm or 9:00am–5:30pm You will be working as part of an established early years nursery team, supporting children across different age groups in a floating practitioner role. The setting provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where children are encouraged to explore, develop independence and build positive relationships. You will have the opportunity to work across different rooms, with flexibility to express a preference for a particular age group where possible. The nursery places a strong emphasis on professional development, with experienced senior practitioners providing ongoing guidance, supervision and support. What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Newly qualified practitioners are welcome to apply Good understanding of child development and the EYFS Understanding of safeguarding and children's welfare responsibilities Ability to communicate confidently and sensitively with children, families and colleagues Caring, reliable and supportive approach to working as part of a nursery team Why This Role Is Worth Considering £13.00 per hour, with some flexibility around the rate where appropriate 6 weeks' paid nursery closure/holiday each year, including two weeks at Christmas, two weeks at Easter and two weeks at the start of summer Opportunities to progress through Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications Regular supervision, professional support and guidance from experienced early years professionals Large on-site car park available for staff Supportive, inclusive workplace with a clear focus on staff development and wellbeing What You’ll Do Provide nurturing, responsive and high-quality care and education for children Support children's learning, development and wellbeing through purposeful activities and experiences Act as a key person for children where required, building secure and positive relationships Observe children's development and use your knowledge to support their next steps Build positive relationships with parents and carers through clear and sensitive communication Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe, inclusive and supportive nursery environment Follow the EYFS, safeguarding requirements and nursery policies while contributing ideas and creativity to nursery life All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities. Reference: WILL262867/JC -
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Nursery Practitioner
Chiswick32000Level 3 Nursery Practitioner Up to £32,000 per year | 40 Hours per Week, All Year Round | Outstanding Early Years Setting Looking for a nursery where no two days are the same? This Outstanding early years setting is looking for an experienced Level 3 Nursery Practitioner to join its friendly, supportive team. Rather than being based in one room, you'll work across the nursery, supporting different age groups and helping wherever you're needed. It's the perfect opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, is adaptable, and loves building relationships with children of all ages. The nursery is committed to providing exceptional care and education in a warm, nurturing environment where both children and practitioners can thrive. With flexible working patterns, generous breaks, carefully managed child numbers, and a supportive leadership team, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced early years professional looking for a long-term role. What We're Looking For Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (essential). Previous experience as a Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Nurse, or Early Years Educator. Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements. Confidence working across different age groups and adapting to changing priorities. Excellent communication and teamwork skills. A caring, proactive, and flexible approach. A genuine passion for delivering outstanding early years education. Please note: Unfortunately, applications from Level 2 qualified candidates or those currently working towards a qualification cannot be considered for this role. Why This Role Is Worth Considering Competitive salary of up to £32,000 Generous 1-hour lunch break, plus an additional 15-minute paid break Flexible working arrangements Free on-site parking Friendly and supportive leadership team Opportunity to work across multiple age groups, providing variety in your role Carefully managed child numbers, with rooms accommodating a maximum of 20 children Ongoing support and a collaborative working environment Your Role Deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS framework. Support children's learning, development, and wellbeing across a variety of nursery rooms and age groups. Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Create safe, stimulating, and engaging learning environments. Observe, assess, and contribute to children's learning and development records. Adapt confidently to the needs of different rooms while maintaining consistently high standards. Work collaboratively with the wider nursery team to ensure exceptional care throughout the setting. Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies at all times. Interview Process The recruitment process consists of one face-to-face interview, which includes a relaxed stay-and-play session, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your approach and interact naturally with the children. Apply today and take the next step in your early years career with a nursery that values your experience and supports your professional development. Reference: WILL251653/JC -
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Nursery Practitioner
Northolt29000Nursery Practitioner (Level 3) £27,000–£29,000 per year | 40 Hours per Week Across 4 or 5 Days The earliest years of a child's life shape their confidence, curiosity, and love of learning. This is your opportunity to be part of a nursery that's passionate about creating those first meaningful experiences. This welcoming nursery provides a nurturing, stimulating, and secure environment where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and develop at their own pace. With a strong focus on creating a genuine home-away-from-home atmosphere, every child is supported to feel safe, valued, and confident while building the foundations for lifelong learning. As a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner, you'll join a caring and supportive team that believes strong relationships, engaging experiences, and a warm environment help every child reach their full potential. What We're Looking For Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent). Previous experience working within an early years setting. Good knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements. A caring, patient, and enthusiastic approach. Excellent communication and teamwork skills. A genuine passion for nurturing young children and supporting their development. What You'll Receive £27,000–£29,000 per year 40-hour working week across 4 or 5 days On-site parking Pension scheme Ongoing training and professional development Discounted childcare Opportunity to work within a supportive nursery that values both its children and its team Your Role Deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS framework. Plan and provide engaging, play-based activities that inspire children's curiosity and development. Create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, secure, and confident. Build strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Observe, assess, and record children's progress to support their individual learning journeys. Encourage children's independence, confidence, and social development through meaningful play experiences. Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery practice at all times. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities. Reference: WILL248070/JC -
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Room Leader
Wembley34000Room Leader – Pre-School Room Up to £34,000 per annum | 40 Hours Per Week | 7:30am and 6:00pm Montessori Nursery | Pre-School Room | Leadership Opportunity An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Room Leader to lead a thriving Pre-School Room within a nursery that combines nurturing childcare with an exceptional Montessori education. This well-established setting provides children with an inspiring environment where independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning are encouraged every day. Guided by both the EYFS and Montessori principles, the nursery creates meaningful learning experiences that allow children to develop at their own pace while preparing them for their next stage of education. The pre-school room is supported by beautifully designed learning environments, while the spacious outdoor areas offer endless opportunities for gardening, sports, active play, and outdoor exploration. Every area of the nursery has been thoughtfully created to encourage curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. What We're Looking For Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Previous experience as a Room Leader, Senior Nursery Practitioner, or similar leadership role Strong understanding of the EYFS framework Knowledge of the Montessori approach would be advantageous Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures Passion for delivering exceptional early years education What's On Offer Earn up to £34,000 per annum 40 hours per week Shifts between 7:30am and 6:00pm Annual leave increasing with service Ongoing training and development opportunities Team events Benefits and rewards portal Wellbeing programme Company pension scheme Excellent career progression opportunities Key Responsibilities Lead the day-to-day running of the Pre-School Room Deliver outstanding care and education in line with the EYFS framework and Montessori principles Plan and oversee engaging learning experiences that prepare children for school Support, mentor, and develop practitioners within the room Encourage children's independence, confidence, and creativity through play-based learning Make full use of the nursery's outdoor environments to enrich children's daily experiences Observe, assess, and monitor children's progress Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, health & safety, and nursery practice All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities. Reference: WILL238659/JC