Salary: £28,000 – £30,000 per year
Location: Lewisham, SE13
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Join a nursery where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and every child’s smile makes your day brighter!
Young and Smart Nursery is looking for an experienced and motivated 3rd in Charge to join our friendly team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Level 3 practitioner / Room Leader ready to take the next step into leadership.
Working closely with the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, you will help oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, support and motivate the team, maintain high standards of care and education, and take charge of the nursery when required.
PLEASE NOTE: We do not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Benefits
- Competitive salary: £28,000 – £30,000
- Career progression opportunities
- Free lunches prepared by a local catering company
- Discounted childcare
- Ongoing training and development
- Company events
- Employee wellness programme
- Company pension
- Supportive, friendly working environment
- And more
Role Requirements
- Level 3 Early Years / Childcare qualification or equivalent
- Previous nursery/early years experience; leadership or senior responsibility is desirable
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child protection
- Understanding of Ofsted requirements and the Early Years inspection framework
- Confident in supporting, leading and motivating a team
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Passionate about delivering high-quality care, learning and development
- Reliable, proactive and able to work under pressure
- Fluent English
- Successful applicant will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery.
- Act as a positive role model and maintain high standards of practice.
- Support, mentor and guide practitioners and new staff.
- Assist with staff deployment, ratios and effective use of resources.
- Take responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Manager and Deputy Manager when required.
- Support the implementation of the EYFS, ensuring children's interests, needs and development are central to their experiences.
- Support planning, observations, assessments and children's next steps.
- Promote a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment.
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health & safety, hygiene and care.
- Support quality assurance, room checks and continuous improvement.
- Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and professionals.
- Support the nursery's readiness for Ofsted inspections.
- Help ensure policies and procedures are consistently followed.
About Young and Smart Nursery
Young and Smart Nursery is a family-run, 51-place nursery committed to providing exceptional care and education. We are a fast-moving, forward-thinking nursery embracing digital and cloud-based systems and creating a safe, fun and educational environment for children.
Located in Lewisham (SE13), we are just a 2-minute walk from Lewisham Train Station, making us easily accessible by public transport.
Why You'll Love Working With Us
- Join a well-established family-run nursery
- Friendly and supportive team
- Genuine career progression
- Develop your leadership and management skills
- Showcase your knowledge and experience
- Be valued as a person, not a number
- Work in a forward-thinking and innovative nursery
Job Details
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £28,000 – £30,000 per year
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8–10 hour shifts
Work Location: In person
Experience:
- Nursery/Childcare: 2 years preferred
- Leadership/Senior responsibility: 1 year preferred
Ability to commute/relocate: South East London reliably, or plan to relocate before starting work.
Young and Smart Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- South East London, Greater London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Will you require visa sponsorship to work in the UK?
- Have you ever been involved in an allegation made by a child or colleague?
- Can you confirm you have no criminal cautions, convictions, or pending investigations that would prevent you from working with children?
- Have you ever been barred, disqualified, or prohibited from working in early years or education settings?
- Are you currently subject to any disciplinary procedures in your current or previous employment concerning children?
- Do you currently have the legal right to work in the UK?
- Is there anything we should be aware of that may affect your ability to safeguard children?
Experience:
- Nursery: 1 year (required)
- Childcare: 1 year (required)
Language:
- Fluent English (required)
Work Location: In person
