Preschool Room Leader & Third in Charge in London

The Preschool Room Leader and Third in Charge is a key leadership role responsible for leading the Preschool Room while supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the day-to-day leadership and operation of the nursery.

The post holder will lead by example, uphold the nursery's values, and ensure high standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance are maintained throughout the setting.

The role requires the delivery of a structured, teacher-led educational programme for children aged 3–5 years, designing and implementing engaging learning experiences that support children's development and school readiness in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

In the absence of the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, the post holder will assume responsibility for the safe and effective running of the nursery.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Leadership of Room Practice
• Act as Third in Charge of the nursery, supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the day-to-day management of the setting.
• Assume responsibility for the safe and effective operation of the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager.
• Support with opening and closing procedures, ensuring all health, safety and security procedures are followed.
• Promote a positive culture and lead by example, maintaining high standards of professionalism across the nursery.
• Provide guidance and coaching to practitioners to improve teaching practice and quality of care.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of EYFS activities for the Preschool room.
• Guide and support practitioners in delivering outstanding interactions.
• Model best practice and set clear expectations for the room team.
• Carry out peer observations and support staff development.
• Ensure accurate observations and assessments, including termly and school leavers reports where required.
• Use children’s interests and developmental progress to inform weekly planning and continuous provision.
• Track children’s development and identify any additional support needs.
• Plan and deliver a high-quality early year’s curriculum for children aged 3–5 years, with a focus on early literacy, mathematics and understanding the world.
• Provide engaging learning experiences that support language development, early reading, numeracy, problem solving and curiosity.
• Ensure teaching approaches remain age-appropriate and aligned with our early years’ pedagogy.
• Support children in developing independence, confidence and a love of learning.
• Maintain a stimulating and well-organised preschool environment with resources that support structured learning and independent exploration.
• Promote a balance between adult-led teaching and child-initiated play.
• 3. Safeguarding & Welfare
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (where trained).
• Support safeguarding investigations, referrals and record keeping in line with nursery policies.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are consistently followed throughout the nursery.
• 4. Communication & Teamwork
• Deal with parent queries or concerns in the absence of the Manager or Deputy.
• Support difficult conversations with families professionally and sensitively.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child’s development and progress.
• Support parents in understanding their child’s learning journey and school readiness.
• Participate in parent meetings, progress reviews and nursery events.
• Work closely with room staff, management and the wider nursery team to maintain high standards of education and care.
• Share good practice and contribute to the continuous development of the nursery’s educational provision.
• Support colleagues in delivering learning activities within the preschool room.
• Lead daily team briefings and weekly planning meetings.
• Support new staff and apprentices within the room.

Person Specification

• Previous experience as a Room Leader.
• Demonstrable leadership and supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding legislation.
• Ability to confidently manage the nursery in the absence of senior management.
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with children aged 3–5 years within an early years setting.
• Experience delivering structured learning activities supporting early literacy and numeracy.
• Experience observing and assessing children's development.
• Experience acting as Deputy or Third in Charge.
• Strong understanding of early childhood development and school readiness.
• Ability to plan engaging educational activities that support early learning outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills with both children and parents.
• Passion for early years education and child development.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Warm, patient and nurturing approach to children.
• Enthusiastic about supporting children's early learning journey.
• Organised, proactive and committed to maintaining high standards of education and care.
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