Senior Early Years Leader, Third in Charge

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

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.