Nursery Third in Charge – Chertsey, Surrey

Early Years Academy; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

Early Years Academy is seeking a confident Nursery Third in Charge to support the daily running of the Chertsey setting and lead a team of nursery practitioners. The role combines hands-on childcare with leadership duties, ensuring high standards of education, safeguarding and parent communication.

You will oversee daily routines, mentor room leaders, and support the Nursery Manager in managing staff deployment and Ofsted readiness. Salary and hours are to be confirmed.

Qualifications

• Recognised Early Years or childcare qualification, Level 3 or above.
• Experience in nursery/EY settings.
• Leadership experience in nursery roles (Room Leader/Senior Practitioner/Third in Charge).
• Strong EYFS understanding and safeguarding knowledge.
• Experience supporting children's learning, wellbeing and development.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and motivate staff.
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of staff-to-child ratios and safe deployment.
• commitment to high-quality childcare and professional development.
• Experience communicating with parents and carers.
• Understanding of inclusive practice and SEND.
• Experience planning engaging learning experiences.
• Calm, professional leadership in a busy nursery environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Nursery Manager/Deputy with daily running of the nursery.
• Lead, support and motivate practitioners and room leaders.
• Maintain high standards of childcare, education and safeguarding.
• Support EYFS implementation and development of learning experiences.
• Coordinate staff deployment and daily routines.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Staff mentoring

Communication

Organisation

Problem solving

Child development

Parent communication

Staff deployment

SEND knowledge

Observation & planning

Calm under pressure

Professional development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

NURSERY THIRD IN CHARGE – CHERTSEY, SURREY
Location: Chertsey, Surrey

Position: Nursery Third in Charge / Third in Charge Nursery / Senior Early Years Practitioner

Salary: To be confirmed

Working Hours: To be confirmed

Contract Type: To be confirmed

Qualification: Relevant Early Years qualification, preferably full and relevant Level 3 or above

Recruitment Agency: Early Years Academy

ABOUT THE NURSERY THIRD IN CHARGE ROLE

The Third in Charge is an important member of the nursery leadership team, supporting the day-to-day running of the setting and helping maintain high standards of childcare, education and safeguarding.

You will provide guidance and support to nursery practitioners, contribute to the organisation of daily activities and help ensure children receive engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

You will also support nursery management with staff coordination, communication with parents and carers, and the implementation of nursery policies and procedures.

This role requires a confident, approachable and organised individual who can lead by example and encourage colleagues to deliver excellent Early Years practice.

The successful candidate will have a genuine passion for supporting children’s development and the ability to balance hands-on childcare responsibilities with additional leadership duties.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – THIRD IN CHARGE

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Assisting with nursery operations and the organisation of daily routines.
• Leading, supporting and motivating nursery practitioners and room leaders.
• Helping maintain high standards of childcare, education and safeguarding.
• Supporting the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
• Encouraging engaging, creative and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Supporting children’s individual learning journeys and developmental progress.
• Promoting children’s independence, confidence, communication and emotional wellbeing.
• Helping maintain a safe, stimulating and inclusive nursery environment.
• Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Providing guidance to colleagues on observations, assessments and curriculum planning.
• Building positive relationships with parents, carers and families.
• Supporting clear and professional communication between nursery staff and parents.
• Assisting with daily staff deployment and appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
• Helping organise staff responsibilities and daily activities.
• Supporting the induction, mentoring and development of nursery colleagues.
• Encouraging teamwork, positive communication and a supportive working environment.
• Ensuring safeguarding, child protection and nursery policies are followed consistently.
• Supporting the identification and appropriate reporting of safeguarding concerns.
• Assisting with risk assessments and health and safety procedures.
• Maintaining accurate records and supporting effective nursery administration.
• Helping prepare the nursery for Ofsted inspections.
• Contributing to nursery improvement and the maintenance of high-quality standards.
• Supporting management with delegated responsibilities when required.
• Helping maintain positive behaviour and children’s emotional wellbeing.
• Encouraging outdoor learning, sensory activities and learning through play.
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the nursery.
• Acting as a positive role model for nursery practitioners and other colleagues.

NURSERY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

As Third in Charge, you will have an important role in helping create a positive working environment where nursery staff feel supported, motivated and confident in their responsibilities.

You will be expected to:

• Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in leading the team.
• Encourage consistent high standards of childcare and Early Years education.
• Provide guidance and support to nursery practitioners.
• Help room leaders organise activities and maintain effective daily routines.
• Support staff development and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Encourage professional communication between nursery colleagues.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and respectful team culture.
• Help ensure nursery policies and procedures are followed.
• Support appropriate staff deployment and daily organization.
• Assist with resolving operational challenges professionally.
• Maintain a child-centred approach to nursery decisions.
• Take responsibility for delegated leadership tasks when required.

The successful candidate should be comfortable supporting colleagues, making appropriate decisions and contributing to the effective running of the nursery.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• A recognised Early Years or Childcare qualification appropriate to the position, preferably full and relevant Level 3 or above.
• Previous experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner, Third in Charge or in another relevant leadership position.
• A strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Good knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and safer working practices.
• Experience supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Confidence supervising, mentoring and motivating nursery colleagues.
• Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to support nursery management with daily operational responsibilities.
• Experience communicating professionally with parents and carers.
• An understanding of staff-to-child ratios and appropriate staff deployment.
• Knowledge of inclusive Early Years practice and supporting children with SEND.
• Confidence planning and delivering engaging learning experiences.
• The ability to remain calm and professional in a busy nursery environment.
• A commitment to high-quality childcare and continuous professional development.
• Previous nursery leadership experience would be particularly beneficial.

Applications from experienced Room Leaders who are ready to take the next step into nursery management may also be considered, subject to the employer’s requirements.

Final qualification and experience requirements will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION

Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility of every Early Years professional.

As Third in Charge, you will help promote a strong safeguarding culture and ensure children’s safety and welfare remain central to nursery practice.

Responsibilities will include:

• Promoting children’s safety, wellbeing and protection.
• Supporting colleagues in understanding safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Identifying and appropriately reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Maintaining accurate records and confidentiality.
• Following child protection procedures and safe working practices.
• Supporting appropriate supervision and staff deployment.
• Promoting professional boundaries and responsible conduct.
• Encouraging a nursery culture where concerns are taken seriously.
• Supporting nursery management with safeguarding responsibilities.
• Working collaboratively with relevant professionals when required.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

We are looking for a Third in Charge who is:

• Confident, professional and approachable.
• Passionate about Early Years education.
• An enthusiastic and supportive team leader.
• Caring, patient and understanding.
• Organised, reliable and committed.
• Able to motivate and encourage nursery colleagues.
• Confident communicating with children, parents and staff.
• Calm and adaptable in a busy nursery environment.
• Comfortable managing competing priorities.
• Committed to safeguarding and children’s wellbeing.
• Dedicated to maintaining high standards of childcare.
• Supportive of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Motivated to develop leadership and management skills.
• Positive, proactive and solutions-focused.
• Able to lead by example and make appropriate decisions.

SALARY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Salary: To be confirmed

This Nursery Third in Charge position offers the opportunity to:

• Take on additional nursery leadership responsibilities.
• Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager.
• Develop supervisory and operational management experience.
• Contribute to the delivery of high-quality Early Years education.
• Mentor and support nursery practitioners and room leaders.
• Strengthen knowledge of safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
• Gain experience supporting nursery organisation and staff deployment.
• Build valuable experience relevant to future Deputy Nursery Manager or Nursery Manager opportunities.

The exact salary, working hours, contract arrangements, holiday entitlement and any additional employment benefits will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

WHY WORK AS A NURSERY THIRD IN CHARGE?

Working as a Nursery Third in Charge provides an opportunity to combine a passion for childcare with leadership and management responsibilities.

You will play an important role in supporting children’s earliest learning experiences while helping colleagues deliver high-quality care and education.

As part of the nursery leadership team, you will have the opportunity to develop your management skills, encourage professional development and promote an environment where children feel safe, valued and supported.

You will also build meaningful relationships with parents and carers, helping families feel confident in the care and education their children receive.

For an experienced Early Years professional, the Third in Charge position can be an excellent step towards future Deputy Manager or Nursery Manager opportunities.

WHY CHOOSE A NURSERY THIRD IN CHARGE JOB IN CHERTSEY?

Chertsey is a historic town in Surrey, located near the River Thames and within reach of several neighbouring towns.

For experienced childcare professionals living in Chertsey or nearby areas, this position offers an opportunity to develop their Early Years leadership career locally.

The vacancy may appeal to experienced Room Leaders, Senior Practitioners and Third in Charge candidates based in:

• Chertsey
• Addlestone
• Weybridge
• Shepperton
• Staines-upon-Thames
• Egham
• Virginia Water
• Ottershaw
• Woking
• Thorpe
• Surrounding Surrey communities

Candidates should consider their individual journey to the nursery when applying.

This opportunity may be particularly appealing to experienced Early Years professionals looking for their next nursery leadership position in Surrey.

WHY APPLY THROUGH EARLY YEARS ACADEMY?

Early Years Academy specialises in Early Years and Education recruitment, helping qualified childcare professionals find rewarding opportunities with nursery employers.

Our recruitment team understands the Early Years sector and the importance of matching candidates with positions that suit their qualifications, experience and career aspirations.

When you apply through Early Years Academy, we can support you throughout the recruitment process, including:

• Discussing your qualifications, experience and career preferences.
• Providing information about suitable nursery opportunities.
• Supporting your application and communicating with prospective employers.
• Helping coordinate interviews and next steps.
• Keeping you informed throughout the recruitment process.

Whether you’re an established Third in Charge or an ambitious Room Leader ready to progress, Early Years Academy is here to support your next career move.

SAFEGUARDING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Early Years Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Appointment will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right-to-work verification and confirmation of relevant qualifications.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the recruitment process.