Take the Next Step in Your Early Years Leadership Career
We are seeking an experienced and confident Third in Charge to join our nursery leadership team.
This is an excellent opportunity for an established Room Leader who is ready to progress into a wider nursery management role. You will support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the day-to-day operation of the setting while remaining actively involved in practice across the nursery.
The successful candidate must have at least one year of experience working as a Room Leader and be confident managing, mentoring and supporting other practitioners.
You will play an important role in maintaining high standards of care, education, safeguarding and staff performance. You will also have opportunities to develop your management experience and progress further within the organisation.
Your Responsibilities
As Third in Charge, you will:
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery.
- Take responsibility for the nursery in the absence of more senior managers when required.
- Lead, manage and mentor practitioners to ensure consistently high standards of practice.
- Provide constructive feedback, coaching and support to help team members develop.
- Monitor the quality of teaching, interactions, planning and children’s learning experiences.
- Support Room Leaders with the organisation and management of their rooms.
- Ensure children receive high-quality care and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Promote a strong safeguarding culture and ensure concerns are identified, recorded and reported appropriately.
- Support the effective deployment of staff while maintaining ratios and qualification requirements.
- Ensure nursery routines, policies, risk assessments and health and safety procedures are followed.
- Build professional and positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
- Support staff inductions, supervisions, training and performance management where required.
- Assist with nursery administration, record keeping, occupancy, staff rotas and operational planning.
- Help maintain a welcoming, stimulating and well-organised learning environment.
- Lead by example by demonstrating professional, proactive and child-centred practice.
Essential Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must have:
- A full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years or Childcare.
- At least one year of experience working as a Room Leader within an early years setting.
- Proven experience managing, mentoring and supporting nursery practitioners.
- A strong working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- A secure understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and child protection procedures.
- Experience supporting the daily operation of a nursery room or setting.
- Confidence providing feedback and addressing inconsistencies in staff practice.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to remain organised and make appropriate decisions in a busy nursery environment.
- A professional, reliable and proactive approach to leadership.
Applications from candidates without the required Room Leader experience may not be progressed.
Desirable Experience
It would be beneficial if you also have:
- Previous experience acting as Third in Charge, Deputy Manager or Designated Lead.
- Experience supporting staff supervisions or performance reviews.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
- Paediatric First Aid certification.
- Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections or quality assurance visits.
- Experience supporting nursery improvement plans or staff training.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
- Leads calmly and confidently.
- Is comfortable holding staff accountable for agreed expectations.
- Can motivate, mentor and develop practitioners.
- Understands what high-quality early years practice looks like.
- Notices when standards are slipping and takes appropriate action.
- Communicates professionally with parents, colleagues and senior leaders.
- Is willing to remain hands-on and support children and staff throughout the day.
- Is ambitious and wants to progress into senior nursery management.
Career Development
This role is designed to provide meaningful progression for an experienced Room Leader.
You will work closely with the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager to develop your knowledge of nursery operations, staff leadership, safeguarding, compliance and quality improvement.
For the right candidate, this position can provide a clear pathway towards future Deputy Manager and Nursery Manager opportunities.
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to complete safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references and verification of qualifications and employment history.
Pay: From £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
