At a Glance
- Tasks: Support nursery leadership while delivering exceptional care and education.
- Company: Join Fennies, a family-run nursery with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Earn up to £34,000 plus bonuses, enjoy free meals and 20+ days of leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear pathways for career progression and professional development.
- Why this job: Step into leadership and make a meaningful impact on children's lives.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 Early Years qualification and experience in early years settings.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Salary: up to £34,000
Potential to earn a further £1,600 in bonus
Take the next step in your early years career and grow into nursery leadership. At Fennies, our Third in Charge plays a key role in supporting the leadership of the nursery while continuing to deliver exceptional care and education within their room. You’ll work closely with the management team, helping to maintain high standards across the setting while developing your own leadership skills. If you’re ready to step beyond a Room Leader role and build your future, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Why join Fennies?
- Competitive salary and bonus
- Comprehensive pension scheme
- £500 referral bonus
- Targeted professional development programmes
- Mentoring and support
- Wellbeing and Lifestyle benefits
- Recognition and reward through the Fennies Club long service awards
About the Role
As Third in Charge, you’ll support the leadership team while continuing to lead high-quality practice within your room.
You will:
- Support the day-to-day running of the nursery alongside the management team
- Lead your room, ensuring high-quality care and education
- Step up in the absence of senior leaders to support operational responsibilities
- Build strong partnerships with families and maintain open communication
- Support and mentor team members to develop their practice
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and compliance
This role offers a clear pathway into leadership, giving you exposure to both room-based and nursery-wide responsibilities.
What we’re looking for
You’re a confident and caring early years professional who is ready to take your next step into leadership.
You will have:
- Level 2 or 3 Early Years qualification (or above)
- Strong knowledge of EYFS, Birth to 5 Matters and child development
- Experience of working in an early years setting, ideally as a senior practitioner or room leader
- A track record of delivering high standards of care and education
- Experience of strong practice as a Key Person and in implementing safeguarding, health and safety, first aid and critical care policies.
- Strong organisational, communication and teamwork skills
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4 /C or above); or equivalent
Most importantly, you will bring ambition, initiative and a passion for developing both children and your team.
Become part of the Fennies DNA
We’re family-owned and family-run; this guides our culture, our decision-making, and what it feels like to be part of our team. We have a strong sense of community, with connections that bring us together and the systems and processes that mean our educators can focus on what they do best. Quality matters to us – starting with our people and curriculum - through to our beautiful buildings and inspiring environments. We’re investing in Fennies, in our teams, and into the education we provide our children.
If this sounds like you, or you just want to know more about what it means to be part of the Fennies family, make contact with us today for a chat.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
Safeguarding
Fennies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity.
Third in Charge - Croydon employer: Fennies Day Nurseries
Fennies is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its team members, offering a competitive salary and performance-related bonuses alongside comprehensive benefits such as a pension scheme and wellbeing support. With a strong community spirit and a commitment to quality education, Fennies provides targeted professional development programmes and mentoring, ensuring that employees can thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on children's lives in Croydon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Third in Charge - Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or even visit if you can. Familiarising yourself with Fennies' environment and values will help you connect better during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've led a team or supported others. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to the nursery's success.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! When you're in the interview, don’t hesitate to ask about their mentoring programmes or how they support career development. It shows you're genuinely interested in growing with Fennies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what makes Fennies a great place to work.
We think you need these skills to ace Third in Charge - Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives or supported your team, as this will resonate with us at Fennies.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the Third in Charge role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for and how you fit into our vision.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your qualifications and enthusiasm effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This not only streamlines the process but also shows your commitment to joining the Fennies family. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fennies Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and child development. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about early years education.
✨Show Your Leadership Potential
Prepare examples of how you've supported or led a team in your previous roles. Highlight any mentoring experiences or initiatives you've taken to improve practices within your room. This will demonstrate your readiness to step into a leadership role.
✨Communicate Openly
Fennies values strong partnerships with families, so be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with parents and caregivers in the past. Share specific instances where your communication skills made a positive impact on children's learning and wellbeing.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Quality
Be prepared to talk about how you maintain high standards of care and education. Discuss your approach to safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance. Showing that you prioritise quality will resonate well with the interviewers.
