The Third in Charge at Maryam's Nursery supports the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the daily operations of the nursery, ensuring compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Statutory Framework, and Ofsted guidance. This role involves taking responsibility for managing the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, ensuring high standards of care and education are delivered, and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for all children.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management:
- Assist the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the daily management of the nursery, ensuring the smooth running of operations.
- Act as a senior leader in the absence of both the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, ensuring that all staff and children are supported effectively.
- Provide guidance and leadership to the staff team, promoting teamwork, collaboration, and a positive working environment.
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in conducting staff observations, supervisions, and appraisals to promote professional development and high performance.
- Ensure that staff maintain the correct staff-to-child ratios and adhere to nursery policies and procedures.
Compliance with EYFS and Ofsted:
- Support the implementation of the EYFS curriculum, ensuring that planned activities meet children’s developmental needs and support learning across all areas.
- Assist in preparing for Ofsted inspections by ensuring all records, documentation, and policies are up to date and comply with statutory requirements.
- Help the nursery team stay informed and compliant with changes in EYFS, Ofsted standards, and other statutory frameworks.
- Monitor and assess the quality of teaching and learning within the nursery, ensuring that standards are met or exceeded.
Safeguarding and Child Protection:
- Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL in safeguarding duties, ensuring that child protection procedures are followed.
- Report any safeguarding concerns in line with nursery policies and statutory guidelines, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
- Ensure that all staff understand their responsibilities in safeguarding and child protection, including awareness of key issues such as FGM, county lines, and the Prevent Duty.
Parent Partnership and Communication:
- Build strong relationships with parents and carers, acting as a point of contact for queries, concerns, or feedback in the absence of senior managers.
- Ensure that parents are kept informed about their child’s development, progress, and any changes within the nursery.
- Work alongside the team to engage parents in their child’s learning and development, promoting the nursery’s ethos and values.
Health, Safety, and Welfare:
- Ensure the health and safety of children, staff, and visitors by carrying out regular risk assessments and ensuring compliance with nursery health and safety policies.
- Ensure that children’s well-being is promoted by creating a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment.
- Maintain accurate records for accidents, incidents, and medical needs, ensuring they are logged and reported in accordance with policies.
- Ensure food safety and hygiene practices are followed, particularly during mealtimes and food preparation.
Curriculum Planning and Implementation:
- Support the planning and delivery of a stimulating and developmentally appropriate curriculum in line with the EYFS framework.
- Encourage child-led, play-based learning experiences that support each child’s individual needs and interests.
- Assist staff in observing, assessing, and planning for children’s learning, ensuring accurate records are kept in line with statutory guidelines.
- Promote the characteristics of effective learning through play, exploration, active learning, and critical thinking.
Staff Development and Support:
- Provide mentoring and coaching to nursery staff, helping to support their professional growth and continuous development.
- Support the training of new staff and apprentices, ensuring they understand nursery policies, procedures, and expectations.
- Assist in identifying training needs for the staff team and encourage participation in professional development opportunities.
Administrative and Operational Duties:
- Assist with administrative duties such as maintaining attendance registers, updating child records, and managing nursery resources.
- Help ensure that all documentation and record-keeping, including accident logs, risk assessments, and planning documentation, are completed accurately and on time.
- Support the nursery’s budget management by helping to monitor resources, stock levels, and equipment.
Continuous Improvement:
- Work with the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager to implement improvements based on feedback from staff, parents, and children.
- Contribute to quality improvement processes, including regular self-evaluation, internal audits, and action planning.
- Stay up to date with changes in early years education, including new legislation, EYFS updates, and best practices, ensuring the nursery stays at the forefront of early years provision.
Person Specification:
Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education (Level 5 or above is desirable).
- At least 2 years of experience in an early years setting, with experience in a senior role.
- In-depth knowledge of the EYFS framework and its practical application in a nursery setting.
- Understanding of Ofsted inspection requirements and the ability to maintain a nursery at a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ level.
- Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications or a willingness to obtain these.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage a team and support staff development.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to liaise with parents, staff, and external agencies.
- Organised, with strong time-management skills and the ability to multitask in a busy environment.
- A passion for delivering high-quality care and education to young children.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and up-to-date knowledge of early years legislation and best practices.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Compliance with the EYFS statutory framework and Ofsted standards.
- Positive feedback from parents, staff, and external inspectors.
- Strong staff performance and engagement.
- High levels of safeguarding awareness and child welfare across the nursery.
- Continuous improvement in the quality of teaching, learning, and care provided.
Additional Information:
- This role requires an enhanced DBS check and a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- The role requires flexibility and a proactive approach to managing day-to-day responsibilities in the nursery.
Pay: £30,160.00-£31,160.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you need sponsorship from us if you are selected for this job ?
Experience:
- Third In Charge: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 in Early Years Education ( Level 5 or above). (preferred)
Work Location: In person
