Only fully qualified up to NVQ Level 3 in Early Years should apply to this job vacancy.
Join Our Team
We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and dedicated Preschool Room Leader / Third in Charge to join our high-quality early years setting. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding practitioner who is passionate about delivering exceptional care and education while supporting the leadership and management of the nursery.
The successful candidate will lead our preschool room, inspire and support colleagues, and act as Third in Charge, taking responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Manager and Deputy Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Lead, motivate and role model outstanding practice within the preschool room.
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in maintaining high standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance.
- Act as Third in Charge and undertake delegated leadership responsibilities when required.
- Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and constructive feedback.
- Promote a positive, professional and inclusive working environment.
- Contribute to staff meetings, training and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Learning and Development
- Deliver high-quality teaching and learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
- Plan and provide engaging learning experiences that support children's individual interests and developmental needs.
- Monitor, assess and track children's progress accurately and effectively.
- Support children in achieving positive outcomes across all areas of learning and development.
- Ensure observations, assessments and learning records are completed to a high standard.
- Work closely with parents and carers to support children's learning journeys.
Safeguarding and Welfare
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures and statutory welfare requirements.
- Act promptly and appropriately on any safeguarding concerns.
- Maintain a safe, secure and stimulating environment for all children.
- Ensure compliance with nursery policies, procedures and risk assessments.
- Be confident in making appropriate safeguarding decisions and escalating concerns when management is not present in the building.
- Promote children's health, safety and wellbeing at all times.
Operational Responsibilities
- Support staff deployment and daily room organisation.
- Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements.
- Monitor the quality of practice and support continuous improvement.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation as required by legislation and nursery policies.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, professionals and external agencies.
Essential Requirements
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) recognised by the Department for Education.
- Significant experience working within an early years setting.
- Experience of leading a room or supervising staff.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS and child development.
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding, child protection and welfare requirements.
- Sound knowledge of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills.
- Ability to motivate, support and role model best practice to colleagues.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Level 5 qualification in Early Years or Leadership and Management.
- SENCO experience or knowledge of supporting children with additional needs.
- Experience of supporting inspections and quality improvement initiatives.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training or safeguarding leadership experience.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who:
- Is passionate about providing outstanding early years education and care.
- Leads by example and demonstrates professionalism at all times.
- Has the confidence to make decisions and take responsibility when required.
- Can inspire and develop others through positive leadership.
- Demonstrates integrity, resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Builds strong relationships with children, families and colleagues.
- Places children's safety, wellbeing and development at the centre of everything they do.
We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic candidate who is fully qualified up to NVQ Level 3 in Early Years to take up the position of Preschool Room Leader/Third In-Charge of the nursery in our 50 place nursery in Chingford E4.
The ideal candidate will be required to work in partnership with the Manager and Deputy to ensure the daily running and administration of the nursery, delivering flexible, high quality, education and care that meet the needs of the young children and their families. With guidance, ensure compliance with all company policies, Health and Safety legislation, Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, and requirements as laid down by Government - DfE and regulated by Ofsted. Model and support high quality interaction, which extends children's learning and thinking as well as supervise and support all staff to provide high quality interaction. Plan and prepare and participate in a range of activities that promotes each child's physical, intellectual and emotional needs to enable each child to reach their full potential. Ensure calm, smooth running of the room and the delegation of roles to staff as appropriate. Ensure the environment is well set out and that resources are excitedly presented and accessible. Ensure planned activities come from the children's next steps, observations and interests, as the EYFS framework requires.
Work remotely
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Pay: From £33,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Nursery: 2 years (preferred)
- Management: 1 year (preferred)
- Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person