Third in Charge (Senior Early Years Practitioner – Forest School Focus)
Location: Our cosy, "Home from Home" Nursery Cottage
Hours: Full-time – 42 hours per week (4 or 5-day working week available)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About Us
We are a small, nurturing nursery set within a charming cottage, offering a genuine "home from home" environment for children, families, and our team. Our setting is built on warmth, kindness, positivity, and strong relationships, where every child and every member of staff is valued.
A key part of our ethos is our Forest School approach, encouraging children to explore, take managed risks, and develop confidence through meaningful outdoor experiences. We believe that time spent in nature inspires curiosity, resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
The Role
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Third in Charge to join our friendly, close-knit team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Early Years Practitioner who is ready to take the next step in their career, supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager while helping to lead our setting with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine passion for early years.
You'll play an important role in the day-to-day running of the nursery, supporting colleagues, delivering outstanding care and education, and championing our Forest School and outdoor learning ethos.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery.
- Lead by example, promoting a positive, proactive, and professional culture.
- Deliver inspiring Forest School sessions and outdoor learning experiences.
- Encourage children's independence, confidence, resilience, and curiosity through nature-based play.
- Plan and deliver engaging, child-led activities both indoors and outdoors.
- Build strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
- Support and mentor team members, encouraging high standards and professional development.
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies are consistently followed.
- Step confidently into a leadership role in the absence of the Manager or Deputy Manager.
What We're Looking For
- Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification.
- Forest School qualification is desirable, or a genuine passion for outdoor learning.
- Experience in a senior practitioner, room leader, or similar role.
- A genuine passion for delivering exceptional early years education.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- A positive, flexible, and team-focused attitude.
- Confidence working outdoors in all weather.
- A commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
What We Offer
We believe that looking after our team is just as important as looking after our children. That's why we offer:
- A choice of a 4 or 5-day working week.
- 22 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
- An additional day's annual leave after 5 years' service.
- Your birthday off to celebrate your special day.
- 30% childcare discount for staff.
- Access to the Wisdom Health & Wellbeing App, offering confidential support and wellbeing resources.
- Ongoing training and opportunities for career progression.
- Regular team celebrations and social events.
- A warm, supportive team where your ideas and contributions are genuinely valued.
- The opportunity to work in a beautiful cottage nursery with a true "home from home" feel.
If you're passionate about early years education, love the outdoors, and want to be part of a nursery that values positivity, teamwork, and outstanding care, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help create magical childhood memories every day.
We are an equal opportunities employer promoting value and respect whilst embracing diversity. However, due to the nature of the role the successful applicant must be able to undertake and provide a clear enhanced DBS check and satisfactory referencing.
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Childcare
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a Level 3 or above qualification in Childcare?
- Do you have Nursery leadership experience?
- Do you have the right to work in the UK?
Work Location: In person
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £29,943.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you Hold a level 3 or above in childcare?
- Have you worked in a Nursery Setting before?
Work Location: In person
