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Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time schedule

Outdoor learning focus

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is recruiting for a Third in Charge at a small, family-run nursery in Gloucester. The role blends hands-on Early Years practice with leadership duties, supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy while upholding high standards across the setting.

The ideal candidate will hold a full Level 3 Early Years qualification or above, with strong nursery experience, and the ability to guide practitioners.

Qualifications

• Hold full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher.
• Proven experience in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Experience in senior roles such as Room Leader or Senior Practitioner is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and child development.
• Able to support and guide other practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading the nursery alongside the Manager and Deputy.
• Support staff, ensuring high standards of EYFS and safeguarding.
• Create calm, engaging learning environments and organise activities.
• Promote outdoor learning and nature-based experiences.
• Plan and supervise day-to-day learning experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Outdoor learning

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

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

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

A close-knit and supportive environment

Strong emphasis on

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.