Third In Charge - Kids Planet Chorley

The SSI Group; Chorley; Remote; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals during shifts

KP Academy training

Enhanced family leave

Wellbeing & rewards

Birthday day off

Pension plan

Job summary

Kids Planet Chorley is inviting applications for a Third in Charge to join us on a fixed-term maternity cover. You will work alongside the management team to ensure smooth daily operations and the highest standards of care in line with EYFS.

We offer accredited training through KP Academy, enhanced leave for family needs, wellbeing rewards, and a supportive central team; you’ll lead and develop teams and build strong relationships with children and families.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 UK early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of the EYFS is required.
• Extensive safeguarding knowledge is essential.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Support the management team in day-to-day nursery operations, ensuring high-quality care in line with EYFS.
• Assist in leading and supporting teams, maintaining a positive, collaborative environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with children and families to support development and wellbeing.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification (UK)

Job description

What if your next job meant more than just work, what if it meant shaping futures, every day?

Kids Planet is a proud family-run business, we do things with heart and we’re passionate about giving every child the best possible start. No two settings are the same, but all of them are built around our shared values: care, curiosity, and a genuine love for early years.

Join Kids Planet Chorley as a Third in Charge! This is a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

We’re now looking for a Third in Charge to join our team, someone who’s ready to get stuck in, spark imaginations, and help children thrive.

Why Kids Planet Chorley?

• Beautiful new purpose-built setting
• The team are passionate and have excellent knowledge on child development
• Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26
• Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women, for the second year running
• Crowned NMT’s Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running
• Awarded one of the UK's Best Workplaces in Education & Training by Great Place to Work 2026
• 80% Childcare Discount – T&Cs apply

What we offer our Third in Charge:

• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!
• Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.
• Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.
• Take the day off on your birthday, it’s all about you!
• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Friendly central support team always on hand to help.

How you’ll make a difference as a Third in Charge:

• By supporting the management team in the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality care in line with the EYFS.
• By assisting in leading and supporting teams, helping to maintain a positive, collaborative, and professional environment.
• Through building and maintaining strong relationships with children and families, supporting their development and wellbeing while contributing to a nurturing and inclusive setting.

What a Third in Charge needs:

• Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Leadership experience within a nursery setting.

Sound like the place for you?

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone.

Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce.

We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.