At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor staff while ensuring high-quality early years education.
- Company: Established early years setting in Brentwood, Essex, focused on child development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, training opportunities, and discounted childcare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and support staff growth.
- Qualifications: Level 3 or higher in Early Years and supervisory experience required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with great career progression and wellbeing initiatives.
A well-established early years setting in Brentwood, Essex, caring for children aged 3 months β 5 years, is looking for an experienced and confident Senior Team Leader / Third in Charge to join its management structure. This role offers the chance to support staff development, maintain outstanding standards of practice, and contribute to a warm, high-quality learning environment.
As the Third in Charge, you will support the management team by leading and mentoring practitioners, ensuring effective delivery of the EYFS curriculum and maintaining excellent standards across all rooms. You will be room-based with dedicated time for leadership duties, focusing on consistency, quality, and compliance.
Staff Benefits- Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
- In-house and external training opportunities
- Career progression and CPD support
- Discounted childcare (subject to availability)
- Team events, staff celebrations, and wellbeing programme
- Annual awards and recognition
- Complimentary restaurant vouchers
- Free on-site parking
- Supportive management with an open-door approach
- Provide leadership, guidance, and professional support to practitioners and room leaders
- Oversee EYFS planning, observations, and assessments
- Ensure stimulating and inclusive learning environments indoors and outdoors
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance
- Support readiness for Ofsted inspections and uphold inspection-ready standards
- Act as a positive role model for staff, children, and families
- Promote teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement
- Level 3 or higher qualification in Early Years / Childcare
- Proven experience in a senior or supervisory early years role
- Excellent knowledge of EYFS and child development
- Confident in curriculum planning and assessment
- Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures
- Reliable, proactive, and passionate about leadership and staff development
- Up-to-date Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid training (or willing to update)
If you are an experienced childcare professional ready to take the next step in your early years career, apply now to become a Senior Team Leader / Third in Charge in Brentwood, Essex.
Senior Team Leader/Third in charge employer: Great Starts Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Great Starts Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Senior Team Leader/Third in charge
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Team Leader role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your EYFS knowledge and leadership skills. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to mentor and support staff, as well as maintain high standards. Practice makes perfect!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education during interviews. Share your vision for creating stimulating learning environments and how you plan to lead your team effectively. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Team Leader/Third in charge
Some tips for your application π«‘
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Check out the skills and experience mentioned in the job description and think about how your background fits in. We want to see that youβre a perfect match for the Senior Team Leader position!
Be Yourself: When you're crafting your application, let your personality shine through! We love seeing genuine passion and enthusiasm for early years education. Share your experiences and what makes you tick in this field β itβll help us get to know you better.
Tailor Your Application: Donβt just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to show us why theyβre the right fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, youβll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Starts Recruitment Ltd
β¨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented it in previous roles and share specific examples of how you've supported children's development.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of instances where you've mentored staff or led a team effectively. Be ready to explain your approach to fostering teamwork and maintaining high standards.
β¨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Expect questions about safeguarding, health & safety, and Ofsted readiness. Familiarise yourself with current regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles.
β¨Bring Your Passion for Childcare
Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share why you're passionate about working with children and how you create stimulating learning environments. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.