We are looking for a warm, enthusiastic and confident Pre-School Room Leader & Third in Charge to join our friendly nursery team.
This is a lovely opportunity for someone who wants the responsibility and progression of a leadership role while still being able to spend meaningful time with the children. Our pre-school room is intentionally small, with a maximum capacity of just 16 children and currently only 12 children attending, allowing you and your team to really get to know every child and provide individualised, high-quality care and learning.
We are recruiting due to natural changes within our team, including existing staff moving on, and are looking for the right person to become an important and valued part of the nursery as we move forward.
Why You’ll Love This Role
You’ll lead a small and manageable pre-school room where you can genuinely make an impact.
Rather than feeling like just another member of staff in a large setting, you’ll have the opportunity to shape your room, build strong relationships with children and families, support your colleagues and contribute to the wider leadership of the nursery.
As Third in Charge, you’ll also work closely with the management team, giving you valuable leadership experience and the opportunity to develop your career further within Early Years.
We’re looking for someone who brings ideas, enthusiasm and warmth to the room and who wants to create a happy environment where children are excited to come in each day.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the day to day running of our pre-school room and creating a happy, stimulating and well-organised environment.
- Supporting a small group of up to 16 children.
- Planning and delivering engaging, child led learning experiences in line with the EYFS.
- Supporting children’s individual development and helping prepare them confidently for their transition to school.
- Leading, supporting and mentoring practitioners within your room, creating a positive team culture.
- Working closely with the nursery management team as Third in Charge and supporting the smooth running of the setting.
- Building strong, positive relationships with parents and carers and keeping them informed about their child’s development.
- Maintaining accurate observations, assessments, learning journeys and attendance records.
- Ensuring safeguarding, health and safety, hygiene and risk-assessment procedures are consistently followed.
- Supporting high standards across the nursery in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework and Ofsted expectations.
- Taking an active role in safeguarding and, following training, supporting Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities where required.
- Helping to make the pre-school room an exciting, welcoming place where children can learn, explore, develop independence and have fun.
About You
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification recognised for working within the Early Years.
- Have strong experience working in a nursery, pre-school or Early Years setting.
- Have previous room leadership, supervisory or management experience and feel confident supporting and motivating a team.
- Have a good working knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework, safeguarding requirements and Ofsted expectations.
- Understand child development and can plan engaging experiences around children’s individual interests and needs.
- Are organised and confident maintaining observations, assessments and other Early Years documentation.
- Communicate warmly and professionally with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
- Are caring, approachable, proactive and genuinely passionate about Early Years education.
- Are willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
- Hold a valid Paediatric First Aid qualification, or are happy to complete training provided by the nursery.
- Are willing to complete Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training and keep safeguarding knowledge up to date.
- Ideally hold a valid driving licence for occasional outings or transport requirements.
A Great Next Step in Your Early Years Career
This could be an ideal position if you’re already a Room Leader looking for a fresh environment, or an experienced Early Years practitioner who is ready to progress into greater responsibility.
With a small pre-school room, currently caring for just 12 children, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on what Early Years should be about: knowing your children well, creating memorable learning experiences and watching them grow in confidence.
At the same time, the Third in Charge element gives you the opportunity to broaden your leadership experience, work alongside management and continue developing professionally.
If you’re passionate about Early Years, enjoy bringing a team together and would love to make a small pre-school room your own, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and come and meet our team.
Pay: £13.30-£14.70 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
