Third-In-Charge/Deputy Manager

Tiny Tots Recruitment; St Albans; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiny Tots Recruitment is partnering with a forward‑thinking nursery in St Albans to recruit a Deputy Nursery Manager/Third In Charge. You will join an exceptional leadership team and be supported to thrive, grow, and make a real difference in children's lives.

You will lead alongside the Nursery Manager and Directors to uphold high standards of care, education, and safeguarding. This role offers opportunities to mentor staff, shape practice, and contribute to the nursery’s continued success.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification (or above) in Early Years.
• Experience in a management or senior leadership role within an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support staff through supervision, training, and day‑to‑day inspiration.
• Drive high‑quality early years practice and embed a child‑centred curriculum.
• Ensure effective planning, assessment, and support for all children, including those with additional needs.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead when needed and champion child protection.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

EYFS knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years

Job description

Are you an inspiring childcare professional ready to lead with passion and purpose? Tiny Tots Recruitment is proud to be working with a forward-thinking nursery client in St Albans, seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager/Third In Charge to join their exceptional leadership team.

This is a brilliant opportunity to step into a senior role where you ll be supported to thrive, grow, and make a real difference in children's lives while shaping and guiding a strong, caring team.

What You ll Be Doing

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll play a key leadership role alongside the Nursery Manager and Directors, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, and safeguarding throughout the setting.

• Leading, mentoring, and supporting staff through supervision, training, and day-to-day inspiration.
• Driving high-quality early years practice and embedding a child-centred curriculum.
• Ensuring effective planning, assessment, and support for all children, including those with additional needs.
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead when needed and championing a culture of child protection.
• Supporting operational excellence staffing, rotas, occupancy growth, and health & safety.
• Building strong partnerships with parents, professionals, and the wider community.

About You

We re looking for a highly motivated, empathetic leader with:

• A full and relevant Level 3 qualification (or above) in Early Years.
• Experience in a management or senior leadership role within an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional communication and organisational skills.
• A passion for mentoring others and delivering outstanding childcare.

What s In It For You?

• A nurturing and progressive working environment
• Career growth opportunities, mentoring, and CPD
• A supportive leadership team that values your voice
• A chance to make a lasting impact every single day