Job Title: Third in Charge (Health & Safety Lead)
Reports to: Nursery Manager / Deputy Manager Supports: Nursery leadership team in operational delivery and compliance.
The Third in Charge (Health & Safety Lead) is a key member of the nursery leadership team, supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in running the nursery and acting as a designated leader in their absence when required.
As Health & Safety Lead, they are responsible for ensuring high standards of safety, compliance, and risk management across the nursery. They play a vital role in daily operational tasks, staff support, and parent communication, contributing to the smooth running of the nursery and high‑quality experiences for children.
- Act as third in charge, stepping up in the absence of both Manager and Deputy.
- Support in day‑to‑day operations, ensuring staffing ratios and room coverage.
- Assist in implementing site KPIs, working with the leadership team to achieve targets.
- Lead on daily safety checks, risk assessments, and reporting of hazards.
- Maintain compliance with safeguarding, fire safety, and H&S policies.
- Ensure all staff understand their role in keeping children safe and that incidents are reported appropriately.
- Support with accident, incident, and first‑aid reporting.
- Act as a role model for best practice, supporting Key Teachers and Assistants.
- Help to mentor junior staff, especially in health, safety, and compliance practices.
- Support in organising room transitions, routines, and resources.
- Work closely with the Deputy Manager to support curriculum delivery where needed.
- Maintain positive relationships with parents, assisting with daily feedback and updates.
- Ensure accurate completion of registers, accident forms, risk assessments, and statutory checks.
- Support with audit preparation and compliance spot checks.
Tier
Accountability Area
Third in Charge Role in Matrix
Tier 4
Nursery Manager: Site leadership
Supports Manager in daily operations and H&S compliance
Tier 5
Deputy Manager: Curriculum Lead
Assists Deputy in curriculum delivery when required
Tier 6
Third in Charge: H&S Lead
Owns site‑level health and safety leadership
Tier 7+
Teachers and Assistants
Mentors and supports junior staff
- All safety checks and risk assessments completed to a high standard and on time.
- Health & Safety compliance is consistently rated as strong in audits.
- Staff have a clear understanding of H&S processes and follow them.
- Nursery remains fully compliant with EYFS and Ofsted safety requirements.
- Positive parent and staff feedback regarding safe and well‑managed environments.
- Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum).
- Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and health & safety best practices.
- Experience of mentoring junior staff or leading by example in a room.
- Confidence in risk assessments, incident reporting, and compliance processes.
Our mission is to empower every child with the essential tools they need to thrive from day one of school and to discover the joy of learning. We are dedicated to nurturing their Focus, Independence, Resilience, Social Understanding, and Trustworthiness, alongside introducing language, mathematics, and a wider understanding of the world. We seek to ensure children are not only ready to learn but also to shine. We believe in the boundless potential of every child and strive to ignite their passion for learning, helping them grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.
