Third in Charge

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Springfield; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays +

Job summary

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool in Dartford is seeking a Third in Charge to lead and mentor our nursery team, ensuring high standards of care and education for every child. The role includes safeguarding responsibilities, promoting health and safety, and building strong partnerships with parents, professionals and Local Authority as needed.

A Level 3+ Early Years qualification and prior leadership experience are required; enhanced DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification.
• Experience in Early Years setting with leadership responsibilities.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and support a nursery team to deliver high-quality care and education.
• Promote child welfare, health and safety, and safeguarding practices.
• Engage with parents, colleagues and professionals to meet each child’s needs.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery - Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary - From £32,448 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location - Dartford, Kent

Are 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 Benefits

• Childcare discount of 50% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach
• Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As 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 For

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
• Previous experience working within an Early Years setting - ideally as a Third in Charge, Room Leader, Early Years Educator or similar
• Confident decision maker, with previous experience providing support and leadership to others
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults

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. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.