Third in Charge

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, LLC.; Dartford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Job summary

Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford is seeking a confident Third in Charge to lead and inspire a caring team and uphold safeguarding and health and safety standards. You will foster strong partnerships with colleagues and parents, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead when needed.

The role requires Full Level 3+ Early Years qualifications and prior leadership experience in an Early Years setting. We offer structured progression, DBS checks, and a supportive working environment in

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification.
• Experience in Early Years setting – ideally as Third in Charge, Room Leader, Early Years Educator or similar.
• Strong knowledge of Safeguarding and Child Protection.
• Ability to develop trust and strong partnerships with colleagues and parents/carers.
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, support, and inspire a team to deliver exceptional care and education.
• Promote child welfare, health and safety, safeguarding, and maintain strong partnerships with parents and professionals.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead when required and support occupancy growth.
• Engage with Local Authority to understand local provision and practice across the nursery.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and PreschoolSalary – From £32,448 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)Location – Dartford, KentAre you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”We’re looking for a Third in Charge to join our Springfield Lodge nursery. At our Dartford nursery, we’re proud to offer a spacious outdoor garden and a dedicated on‑site Forest School area, giving children rich opportunities for exploration and learning. Our long‑standing, experienced staff team provides a warm, consistent environment for every child. The setting is conveniently located close to local transport links and also benefits from an on‑site car park for those who drive. We are committed to supporting our team with continual training and clear pathways for progression within their role.Our BenefitsChildcare discount of 50% for first childEnhanced parental leave20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*PensionFinancial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and moreProfessional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach*Subject to T&CsThe RoleAs a Third in Charge, you will lead, mentor, support, and inspire a team to deliver exception care and education. You will promote and ensure child welfare, health and safety, and safeguarding, and maintain strong partnerships with colleagues, parents, and other professionals to meet each child’s needs. When required, you will also act as Designated Safeguarding Lead at the nursery, promote the nursery to support retention and ongoing occupancy growth, and engage with the Local Authority to understand the local offering and support practice across all areas of the nursery.What we’re looking forFull and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualificationPrevious experience working within an Early Years setting – ideally as a Third in Charge, Room Leader, Early Years Educator or similarConfident decision maker, with previous experience providing support and leadership to othersStrong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with childrenAbility to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carersAbility to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adultsBright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!We look forward to receiving your application!