Join an Award-Winning Nursery Group
St. George’s Nursery Group has been providing high-quality childcare across the East Midlands for over 30 years and was recognised as one of the Top 20 Nursery Groups in 2024.
Your Role
The Third-in-Charge supports the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding, and operational excellence. In the absence of the Manager and Deputy Manager, the Third-in-Charge will take responsibility for the effective leadership of the nursery, ensuring compliance with EYFS requirements and all relevant policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and Management
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the overall leadership of the nursery.
- Act as a role model, demonstrating outstanding childcare practice and professionalism.
- Assume responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Manager and Deputy Manager.
- Support the induction, mentoring, and development of nursery staff.
- Help monitor staff performance and contribute to training and professional development initiatives.
Childcare and Education
- Deliver high-quality care and learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Ensure children’s individual needs are met and their progress is effectively monitored.
- Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
- Support key persons in planning, observation, assessment, and next-step development.
- Foster an inclusive environment where all children can thrive.
Safeguarding and Welfare
- Maintain a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
- Ensure all safeguarding concerns are reported and recorded appropriately.
- Support the implementation of health and safety procedures throughout the nursery.
- Promote children’s wellbeing and ensure all welfare requirements are consistently met.
Operational Responsibilities
- Assist with staff deployment to maintain ratios and ensure effective operation of rooms.
- Support occupancy management and daily nursery administration as required.
- Ensure records and documentation are maintained accurately and confidentially.
- Assist in preparing for inspections and audits.
Parent and Community Engagement
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and carers.
- Support effective communication regarding children’s learning and development.
- Promote the nursery positively within the local community.
- Address parent queries professionally and elevate concerns when necessary.
Essential Qualifications
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
- Paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Up-to-date safeguarding knowledge.
- Essential Experience
- Experience working in an early years setting.
- Experience leading or supervising staff.
- Strong understanding of EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
- Experience planning, observing, and assessing children’s learning.
Essential Skills
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to motivate and support a team.
- Good understanding of nursery compliance and operational requirements.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions confidently.
Desirable
- Previous experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner, or similar leadership role.
- Experience supporting inspections and quality improvement initiatives.
Qualities
- Passionate about providing outstanding childcare and education.
- Positive, proactive, and solution-focused.
- Professional and approachable.
- Reliable, flexible, and committed to continual improvement.
- Dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
You’ll join a supportive team with structured induction, mentoring, in-house training and ongoing career development. Many of our colleagues have been with St George’s for over 15 years.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
If you’re passionate about early years and enjoy inspiring and developing teams, we’d love to hear from you.
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Third-In-Charge in Northampton employer: St. George's Nursery
St George's Nursery Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive leadership team and a vibrant workplace culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, ongoing training opportunities, and team appreciation events, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact across the East Midlands while enjoying a fulfilling career in early years education.
