Third in Charge

The Old Station Nursery Group; Birmingham; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 291,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare

Holiday allowance 31 days

Professional development

Volunteer day

Perkbox discounts

Blue Light Card

Employee recognition

Referral bonuses

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Group in Alvechurch, just outside Birmingham, is seeking a Third in Charge to support the Nursery Manager and help create a caring, safe environment where children can grow and families feel connected.

You will mentor staff, plan and deliver EYFS activities, uphold safeguarding, and build strong relationships with families and external professionals. A Level 3 Early Years qualification is required and sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification is required.
• Experience in Early Years and safeguarding knowledge is preferred.
• Ability to support and guide others and lead by example.

Responsibilities

• Support and mentor colleagues to deliver high-quality care and education.
• Work with the Nursery Manager to keep the nursery running smoothly in their absence.
• Lead EYFS delivery through play and learning that reflect children’s interests and needs.
• Build trusting relationships with families and work with external professionals to support development.
• Maintain safeguarding and wellbeing at the heart of everyday decisions.
• Create an inclusive environment where children, families and staff belong.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Join Our Team as a Third in Charge

Ready to help children grow and your team grow with them?

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing -little humans and big humans alike. As Third in Chargeat Alvechurch, you’ll support your Nursery Manager to create a community where children feel safe and can grow, families feel connected, and colleagues feel valued.

You’ll have space to share your experience, grow your own confidence as a leader, and help others discover what they’re capable of.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.

• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.

• Space to grow:Access toThe National College, with a libraryof courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.

• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.

• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.

• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay: £290,952 - £29,952 per annum, based on experience.

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday. Working 4 long days with a day off.

Location

49 Swan Street
Alvechurch
Birmingham
West Midlands
B48 7RR

Where You'll Be Working

Nestled in a grand converted house with breath-taking views of rolling fields, Sandhills Day Nursery Alvechurch offers a truly unique environment for any child’s early years. Across our seven main playrooms, each designed to foster a child’s curiosity and development, our nursery is a busy but passionate environment to work in. Conveniently situated within 30 minutes of Birmingham city centre, just 2 minutes from junction 2 off the M42 in the beautiful village of Alvechurch. There is an ample area for staff to park.

What You'll Be Doing

Working alongside your Nursery Manager, you’ll help lead the nursery’s day-to-day life while staying closely involved in the care and learning within your base room.

One moment you might be supporting a colleague to bring a new activity to life. The next, you could be talking with a parent about their child’s progress or helping your team work through a challenge.

You’ll lead with care, curiosity, and a willingness to get involved. Your role will include:

• Supporting and mentoring colleagues, helping them build confidence and deliver thoughtful, high-quality care and education

• Working with the Nursery Manager to keep the nursery running smoothly, taking responsibility in their absence

• Guiding the team’s delivery of the EYFS through play and learning that reflect each child’s interests, strengths, and needs

• Building trusting relationships with families and working with external professionals to support children’s development

• Keeping safeguarding, safety, and children’s wellbeing at the heart of everyday decisions

• Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child, family, and colleague feels they belong

• Sharing constructive feedback, welcoming ideas, and helping your team turn learning into better practice

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As a deputy, you’ll bring them to life by following through, listening with care, and working alongside your team to make things better.

What We’re Looking For

You must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification to be considered for this role.

You’ll bring experience working in Early Years, a sound understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding, and the confidence to support and guide others.

We’re looking for someone who leads by example, notices when people need support, and makes space for different ideas and perspectives. Someone who can take responsibility, approach challenges thoughtfully, and ask for advice when it’s needed.

Above all, you’ll care about helping children and colleagues thrive, knowing that your own learning continues too.

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.