Third in Charge

Grandir UK Limited; Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Company pension scheme

Statutory Sick Pay

Life assurance

DBS check and safeguarding

Great Place to Work

Job summary

Elan Preschool in Haywards Heath is seeking a caring Third in Charge to join our team on maternity leave cover. You will be part of the Management team as a Third in Charge and also a Room based Preschool Room Leader, guiding and inspiring our children while supporting a positive early years environment.

The role offers progression within Grandir UK, with a salary of £30,264-£33,280 depending on experience and qualifications, plus regular pay reviews and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience in supervising and caring for preschool children.
• Experience in a nursery setting and working with Level 3 qualified practitioners.
• Commitment to safeguarding and well-being of children.

Responsibilities

• Supervising and supporting children at all times
• Preparing and supporting activities under the guidance of Level 3 qualified practitioners
• Maintaining a safe, engaging and welcoming environment
• Following company policies, safeguarding procedures and operational practices
• Building positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Attending staff meetings, planning sessions and training as required

Job description

Third in Charge

Part of Grandir UK

Salary £30,264-£33,280(depending on experience and qualifications with

regular pay reviews)

Join a supportive, child focused nursery offering strong benefits, flexible working and genuine career progression.

Elan Preschool in Haywards Heath

is looking for a caring and enthusiastic Third in Charge to join our team in the New Year as a maternity leave cover. You will play a key role in caring for, supporting and inspiring our children, encouraging curiosity and helping them thrive every day. The role will form part of the Management team as a Third in Charge but will also be a Room based Preschool Room Leader, so a great role for someone wanting that step into nursery management.

Why You’ll Love Working at Elan Preschool

At Elan, you will be part of a welcoming and supportive team who genuinely care about one another. We create a positive working environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to grow.

Core Benefits

• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, with 3 days used during the Christmas shutdown period
• Christmas and New Year shutdown
• Flexible working options available
• Company pension scheme with employer contributions
• Statutory Sick Pay from day 1
• Life assurance for employees aged 18 to 65
• Certified Great Place to Work, voted for by our current colleagues

About Our Nursery

Our Preschool was rated a Strong Standard across all areas in their recent Ofsted inspection and is a beautiful converted home with two bright, spacious rooms for children aged 2–5.

Children enjoy a large, secure garden with slides, climbing frames, a mud kitchen, and water play, with free-flow access between indoors and outdoors. Weekly yoga sessions and regular sports activities support physical development and wellbeing.

We are proud of our strong reputation for preparing children for school, with excellent feedback from local schools and a Nursery of the Year award in 2025.

Our experienced, long-standing team creates a positive, supportive environment for both children and staff.

Location and Travel

Parking available 2 minute walk away at Clair Hall. We are also across the road from the train station and many local bus links. We are also within walking distance of our Elan Haywards Heath Nursery | Grandir UK

What will you be doing

• Supervising and supporting children at all times
• Preparing and supporting activities under the guidance of Level 3 qualified practitioners
• Maintaining a safe, engaging and welcoming environment
• Following company policies, safeguarding procedures and operational practices
• Building positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Attending staff meetings, planning sessions and training as required

Enhanced Family and Wellbeing Benefits

• Maternity and adoption leave paid at 100 percent for the first 12 weeks
• Paternity leave paid at 100 percent for 4 weeks
• Parental bereavement leave up to 4 weeks paid
• Compassionate leave up to 2 weeks paid
• Miscarriage leave up to 2 weeks paidWellbeing Day, an extra day off just for you
• The Grand Event, up to an additional week of annual leave to attend a significant life event after 2 years’ service

Even More Benefits

• Employee benefits portal with hundreds of retail discounts including ASOS, gym memberships, cinema, M and S and major supermarkets
• Medical cashback for dental treatment, physiotherapy and alternative therapies
• Recognition, rewards and team celebrations throughout the year, with May dedicated to celebrating our teams
• Tailored in house training and genuine progression opportunities
• Sustainability focus with Carbon Literacy trained teams and Eco Schools accreditation

Grandir UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role and will be carried out by our approved third party provider.

We are an equal opportunity employer and recruit based on merit. To support our recruitment process, we may use AI-assisted tools for tasks such as application screening and reference checks. These tools help us manage applications efficiently, and all hiring decisions are made by our team.