Third in Charge - £750 Welcome Perk

The Old Station Nursery; Faversham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare for first month

52% discount on childcare based on‑hrs

31 days holiday + birthday day off

The National College courses

One paid volunteer day annually

Perkbox discounts

Blue Light Card access

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Group is seeking a Nursery Room Leader/Third in Charge in Faversham. You’ll guide your room with thoughtful care, engaging play, and a collaborative team, while developing leadership skills and supporting colleagues.

You’ll hold a Level 3 EY qualification or QTS and use EYFS knowledge to plan, observe, and assess children. Join a supportive, inclusive setting that values safeguarding and development.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or QTS required.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS in practice.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent organisation and communication with families.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day running of the room with a caring, play-based approach.
• Guide delivery of EYFS through developmentally appropriate activities.
• Oversee planning, observations and records for each child.
• Maintain safeguarding, hygiene and wellbeing as priorities.
• Support nursery operations and share feedback for team growth.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

EYFS knowledge

Observation skills

Education

Level 3 EY qualification or QTS

Job description

Join Our Team as a Nursery Room Leader/Third in Charge (Room Based)

Lead a room full of possibility -for children and your team

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing — little humans and big humans alike. As a Nursery Room Leader at Faversham, you’ll guide your team to create a welcoming space where children feel secure, curiosity is encouraged, and everyone has a part to play.

You’ll stay close to the everyday care and learning that makes Early Years special, while supporting colleagues to develop their skills and growing your own confidence as a leader.

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 to The National College, with a library of 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:£15.35per hour /£31,928 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week. Working hours between 7.30am and 6:30pm, Monday to Friday (All Year Round)

Location

Townsend Montessori Nursery Faversham, Unit 4 Capital House
Jubilee Way
Faversham
Kent
ME13 8GD

Where You'll Be Working

Townsend Montessori Nursery Faversham is located on Jubilee Way, which backs onto the Faversham recreation ground. The setting is a short drive from Faversham train station and within walking distance too as well as of the town centre with parking available on site. At our children’s nursery, we focus on learning through year-round outdoor play within our large garden and natural forest area. We have 4 rooms in our nursery, Bluebells which is our under 2’s room. Poppies which is our 2 year old room and we have 2 Pre-School rooms known as Daisies and Tulips which are for children age 3 years until they go to school. We do cookery with the children every day as well as Montessori activities and the children adore this time.

What You'll Be Doing

Working alongside the Nursery Management Team, you’ll lead the day-to-day running of your room, bringing together thoughtful care, purposeful play, and a team that supports one another.

One moment you might be helping a colleague extend children’s learning through an activity. The next, you could be welcoming a new family or adapting a routine to help a child feel more settled.

Your role will include:

• Leading and mentoring your room team, setting clear expectations and modelling high-quality care and education

• Guiding the delivery of the EYFS through engaging, play-based experiences shaped around children’s interests and developmental needs

• Overseeing observations, planning, and records so your team understands each child’s progress and next steps

• Creating a safe, inclusive environment with caring routines that reflect each child’s individual needs

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

• Organising daily responsibilities within your room and supporting the management team with the nursery’s wider running

• Keeping safeguarding, hygiene, safety, and children’s wellbeing at the heart of your team’s practice

• Sharing constructive feedback, welcoming ideas, and supporting colleagues’ ongoing development

• Taking on delegated leadership responsibilities, including supporting nursery operations during management absences as agreed

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As a Room Leader, that means taking responsibility for your room, listening to your team, and working together to turn ideas into positive experiences for children.

What We’re Looking For

You must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to be considered for this role.

You’ll also bring:

• A strong understanding of the EYFS and how to put it into practice through play, care, and meaningful interactions

• The confidence to guide colleagues, share your knowledge, and lead by example

• A caring, observant approach that recognises each child’s strengths, interests, and needs

• Good organisation and clear communication to help your room run smoothly

• A commitment to safeguarding and maintaining high standards of care

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to keep learning alongside your team

We’re looking for someone who notices when others need encouragement, makes space for different ideas, and takes pride in helping both children and colleagues grow.

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.