Job Description
Third in Charge – Level 3
Up to £32,000 per year | 40 Hours per Week | Term Time
This small, family-run nursery provides a calm, well-structured setting where children feel safe, settled and ready to learn. With a close-knit feel and a personal approach to Early Years, practitioners have the opportunity to really understand the children they support and create experiences around their individual development.
Outdoor learning is a particularly important part of nursery life. Children are encouraged to get outside, move, investigate, build and plant, using the natural environment as an extension of the classroom and developing confidence through hands-on experiences.
As Third in Charge, you’ll combine hands-on Early Years practice with additional leadership responsibilities, supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy while helping to maintain strong standards across the setting.
What We’re Looking For
- A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
- Strong experience within a nursery or Early Years setting
- Previous senior experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner or similar would be beneficial
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development
- Confidence supporting and guiding other practitioners
- A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor learning and nature-based experiences
- The ability to create calm, purposeful and engaging learning environments
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A warm, approachable and hands-on leadership style
Why This Role Stands Out
- Salary up to £32,000
- 40 hours per week
- Term-time position
- Small, family-run nursery
- A close-knit and supportive environment
- Strong emphasis on outdoor learning
- Opportunity to develop your Early Years leadership experience
Supporting the Nursery Team
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the day-to-day running of the setting
- Provide guidance and support to practitioners across the nursery
- Step into additional leadership responsibilities when required
- Help maintain a calm, organised and nurturing environment
- Support consistently high standards of Early Years care and education
- Plan experiences around children's individual interests and developmental needs
- Encourage children to develop independence, confidence and curiosity
- Maintain strong safeguarding, health and safety, and EYFS standards
- Build positive relationships with children and their families
- Help create a supportive and collaborative culture within the small nursery team
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.
Reference: WILL258327/SM
INDCHI
Third in Charge in Gloucester employer: Willingcare
As a Nursery Manager with us, you'll be part of a nurturing and dynamic environment that prioritises both child development and employee wellbeing. We offer competitive salaries, a performance-related bonus scheme, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while working in spacious, well-resourced settings across Hampshire and Surrey. Join our supportive team where your leadership will directly impact the growth of young minds and your career progression.
