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 Room leader
South Croydon31616Nursery Room Leader (Level 3) – Early Years - £15.20 Per Hour This nursery is a well-established early years setting rated Good by Ofsted, with age specific rooms and a large and magical garden used daily by children. The Room Leader role is based within an age-specific room, with responsibility for maintaining consistent routines, supporting staff, and ensuring high-quality practice through play and the EYFS. The position offers stable hours across four days per week and a clear hourly rate. Before You Apply A Level 3 Early Years qualification is essential. Applicants must be confident managing routines, supporting staff, and maintaining EYFS standards. Key Job Details Job Title: Nursery Room Leader (Level 3) – Early Years Pay: £15.20 per hour Hours: 40 hours per week, worked over 4 days Contract: Permanent, full-time Ofsted Rating: Good Why This Role Is Worth Considering Age-specific room with clear structure and expectations Large, engaging garden used as part of daily learning Consistent routines and established practice across the nursery Four-day working week providing better work–life balance Stable setting with a positive inspection history What You’ll Need Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) Recent experience as a Room Leader or Senior Practitioner Strong working knowledge of the EYFS Confidence leading staff and managing daily routines Calm, consistent approach to early years practice What You’ll Do Lead the day-to-day running of your room Plan and support learning through play in line with the EYFS Guide and support practitioners within the room team Monitor children’s progress and support developmental outcomes Build professional relationships with parents and carers Maintain safeguarding, health and safety, and quality standards What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Suitable candidates will be contacted to discuss the role and next steps. Interviews are professional, clear, and focused on experience and expectations. Reference: WILL201468/JC INDACC -
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Baby Room Leader
Wallington Demesne28000Baby Room Leader (Level 3) – Up to £28,000 The Baby Room Leader is responsible for the daily running of the baby room, including ratios, routines, planning, and staff direction. Most of the role is spent working directly with babies while overseeing practice and standards within the room. Decisions about care, routines, and priorities sit with the Room Leader and are made throughout the day. Before You Apply This role requires recent experience working with babies in a nursery setting. Applicants must be confident leading a room and supporting other practitioners day to day. This position is not suitable for candidates without a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification. Key Job Details Hours: 40 hours per week across 4.5 days Shift patterns: 8:00–6:00, 8:00–1:00, 1:00–6:00 Contract: Permanent, full-time Sector: Early Years / Day Nursery Room: Baby room Why This Role Is Worth Considering Dedicated baby room with age-appropriate resources and equipment Responsibility and autonomy within the room, with management support Stable nursery operating year-round for children aged 9 months to 5 years What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Recent experience working in a baby room within a day nursery Confidence leading practice within a room environment Sound understanding of child development Strong knowledge of safeguarding and EYFS What You’ll Do Lead the daily running of the baby room, maintaining routines and ratios Act as key person for a group of babies, supporting care, attachment, and development Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities in line with the EYFS Guide and support practitioners working within the room Complete observations, assessments, and documentation accurately Maintain safeguarding, health, safety, and welfare standards at all times What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed against the essential criteria.Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and a nursery visit. Reference: WILL203544/JC -
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Senior Nursery Practitioner
Beddington31720Senior Nursery Practitioner – £15 per hour – Permanent This nursery provides care for toddlers and preschool children in a beautiful Victorian house with generous indoor and outdoor space. The Senior Nursery Practitioner role combines hands-on practice with responsibility for maintaining routines, standards, and quality across the room. Close working relationships with room leaders and management support consistent care and learning. Before You Apply This role requires prior experience as a Senior Nursery Practitioner or experienced Level 3 practitioner A full and relevant Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification is essential This position is not suitable for candidates without nursery experience Key Job Details Rate of Pay: £15 per hour Hours: Full-time, 4 days per week Shift Pattern: 7:30am–6:30pm Setting: Private day nursery Age Group: Toddlers and Pre-School Why This Role Is Worth Considering A senior role with responsibility, without full management accountability A stable nursery with established routines and consistent staffing An environment designed to feel calm and homely Four-day working week Benefits including free lunch, pension, training, bonus scheme, length of service rewards, and team events What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Proven experience as a Senior Practitioner or confident Level 3 practitioner Strong understanding of EYFS and safeguarding requirements Confidence supporting children’s learning and daily routines Desirable Experience mentoring or junior practitioners Additional safeguarding or specialist training What You’ll Do Support high-quality practice within your room and across the nursery Act as a role model for practitioners, supporting standards and routines Maintain safeguarding, welfare, and quality standards at all times Contribute to planning, observations, and assessments Support smooth daily operation of the nursery, including ratios and transitions What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly, with clear and professional communication throughout. Reference: WILL201930/JC INDACC -
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Deputy Nursery Manager
Beddington33280Deputy Nursery Manager - £16 per hour – Permanent The nursery is set 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 works closely with the Nursery Manager, sharing responsibility for standards, staff support, and the smooth day-to-day running of the setting. Before You Apply This role requires prior experience as a Deputy Manager, Third in Charge or similar A full and relevant Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification is essential This position is not suitable for candidates without leadership experience in a nursery setting Key Job Details Rate of Pay: £16 per hour 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 deputy role with shared responsibility, not sole charge A stable nursery with established routines and consistent staffing An environment designed to feel calm and home like Benefits including free lunch, pension, training, bonus scheme, length of service rewards, and team events What You’ll Need Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification Proven experience in a leadership role within a nursery setting Confidence supporting staff practice and contributing to operational decisions Strong working knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements Desirable Additional safeguarding or leadership training What You’ll Do Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery Provide guidance and oversight to room leaders and practitioners Maintain safeguarding, welfare, and quality standards across the setting Contribute to staffing organisation, ratios, and daily operational decisions Act as deputy lead in the Manager’s absence What Happens After You Apply Applications are reviewed promptly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. Reference: WILL201897/JC INDACC -
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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