Third in Charge – Preschool Room Leader
Liliput Day Nursery – York
Full‑time | Permanent | Leadership Role
Liliput Day Nursery is a small, family‑feel setting where children feel at home, staff feel valued, and relationships truly matter. We are looking for a confident, nurturing and experienced Preschool Room Leader who will also take on the wider responsibility of Third in Charge within the nursery.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong Level 3 practitioner ready to step into leadership, guide a team, and help shape the learning experiences of our oldest children as they prepare for school.
About the Role
As our Preschool Room Leader and Third in Charge, you will play a key part in the day‑to‑day running of the nursery. You will:
- Lead the preschool team with warmth, clarity and confidence
- Create a calm, engaging and purposeful learning environment
- Support children’s independence, school readiness and emotional security
- Model outstanding practice and mentor staff in the room
- Build strong, trusting relationships with families
- Support the Deputy and Manager with leadership duties across the nursery
- Contribute to safeguarding, compliance and high‑quality provision
- Champion the nursery’s homely, family‑centred ethos
This role suits someone who loves early years, thrives in a leadership position, and enjoys being part of a close‑knit team.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a practitioner who brings professionalism, passion and a genuine love for early years. You will:
- Hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification
- Have strong experience working with preschool‑aged children
- Demonstrate excellent knowledge of child development and the EYFS
- Be confident leading a team and supporting colleagues
- Show strong communication and organisational skills
- Be proactive, reflective and committed to high‑quality practice
- Bring a warm, nurturing approach that aligns with our family‑feel environment
Leadership experience is desirable, but we welcome applications from strong Level 3 practitioners ready to step up.
What We Offer
We value our team deeply and are committed to creating a workplace where you feel supported, appreciated and able to grow. You will benefit from:
- Competitive leadership salary
- Clear progression and opportunities to develop your leadership skills
- A warm, homely, family‑feel environment
- A supportive, experienced management team
- Ongoing training and professional development
- A close‑knit team who genuinely care about each other
- A setting where your ideas, voice and strengths are valued
Why Join Liliput?
Our nursery is known for its nurturing atmosphere, strong emotional security and genuine family feel. As Preschool Room Leader and Third in Charge, you will have the opportunity to influence practice across the nursery, lead a passionate team, and make a meaningful difference every day. We have just received a fantastic Ofsted report (Strong Standard in all areas). March 2026
If you’re ready for the next step in your early years career, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £14.00-£16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
