Nursery Third in Charge

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Preston; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free breakfast, lunch and snacks

KP Academy training

Enhanced leave & family support

Wellbeing & rewards

Birthday off

Pension & holiday allowance

Job summary

Kids Planet Penwortham is looking for a Third in Charge to lead daily care and support high-quality learning across the EYFS. You will drive effective teamwork, ensure smooth operations, and foster a nurturing environment for children and families.

Essentially, you will hold a Level 3 early years qualification with excellent EYFS understanding and safeguarding knowledge, complemented by nursery leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.

Responsibilities

• Support the management team in day-to-day nursery operations in line with EYFS.
• Lead and support teams to maintain a positive, collaborative environment.
• Build strong relationships with children and families to support development and wellbeing.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Leadership experience

Education

Level 3 early years qualification

Job description

What if your next job meant more than just work, what if it meant shaping futures, every day?

Kids Planet is a proud family-run business, we do things with heart and we’re passionate about giving every child the best possible start. No two settings are the same, but all of them are built around our shared values: care, curiosity, and a genuine love for early years.

Join Kids Planet Penwortham as a Third in Charge!

We’re now looking for a Third in Charge to join our team, someone who’s ready to get stuck in, spark imaginations, and help children thrive.

Why Kids Planet Penwortham?

• Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26
• Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women 2025
• Crowned NMT’s Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running
• 80% Childcare Discount – T&Cs apply

What we offer our Third in Charge:

• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!
• Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.
• Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.
• Take the day off on your birthday, it’s all about you!
• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Friendly central support team always on hand to help.

How you’ll make a difference as a Third in Charge:

• By supporting the management team in the day-to‑day running of the nursery, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality care in line with the EYFS.
• By assisting in leading and supporting teams, helping to maintain a positive, collaborative, and professional environment.
• Through building and maintaining strong relationships with children and families, supporting their development and wellbeing while contributing to a nurturing and inclusive setting.

What a Third in Charge needs:

• Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Leadership experience within a nursery setting.

Sound like the place for you?

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well‑being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.