Third in Charge – Compton Acres, Nottingham (NG2)
A warm, well-resourced Early Years, Nursery setting with a strong focus on child-led learning, school readiness, and outstanding care.
Employment Type
Full-time, permanent, 40 hours per week
Salary
£26,582 per year (£12.78 p/h) rising to £27,622.40 (£13.28 p/h) from 1st April + benefits
Pay & Benefits
- 31 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Ongoing CPD and funded training to support your leadership journey
- Clear progression pathways into senior room leadership and management roles
- Supportive induction and mentoring from an experienced leadership team
- Regular supervisions and performance development reviews
- Access to wellbeing support and an employee assistance programme
- Staff discount schemes and local perks (where available)
- High-quality resources and well-planned environments to support best practice
- Opportunities to lead on projects (school readiness, curriculum, transitions, parent partnership)
- Enhanced professional confidence through coaching and reflective practice
Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time hours, 4 long days are worked across a rotating shift pattern, Monday to Friday. You’ll receive a daily break, with some flexibility depending on ratios and nursery needs. Occasional adjustments may be required to support key events, staff cover, or operational requirements.
Job Description
We’re recruiting for a Third in Charge to support the day-to-day running of a busy Early Years, Nursery room in a welcoming, high-quality setting in Compton Acres, Nottingham (NG2). This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced early years professional who enjoys leading by example, creating inspiring learning environments, and helping children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. As a Third in Charge, you’ll work closely with the room leader and leadership team to deliver the EYFS with warmth and purpose, support outstanding practice, and help the team provide exceptional care, learning, and school readiness for every child.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the leadership team in the smooth day-to-day running of the room and wider setting
- Lead, inspire, and motivate practitioners to deliver high-quality early years practice
- Plan and deliver engaging activities aligned to the EYFS and children’s individual next steps
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children thrive
- Support observations, assessments, and learning journeys with accurate documentation
- Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, and welfare requirements are consistently met
- Support staff coaching, role-modelling, and reflective practice to raise standards
- Maintain positive partnerships with parents, providing updates, feedback, and guidance
Requirements
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare
- Experience in an Early Years Nursery or childcare setting, ideally with room leadership duties
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and child development
- Confidence supporting team practice, routines, and quality standards
- Organised and proactive, with a calm and supportive leadership style
- Willingness to complete a DBS check and required compliance checks
- Ability to commute reliably to Compton Acres, Nottingham (NG2)
- Also suitable for: Third in Charge, Room Leader, Senior Early Years Educator, Early Years Room Leader, Room Manager, Deputy Room Leader, Early Years Lead Practitioner
Company Culture
As Third in Charge, you’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that values warmth, professionalism, and doing the right thing for children and families. Leadership is approachable and focused on developing people, with a strong culture of teamwork, coaching, and recognition. The Nursery setting promotes high standards while maintaining a positive, family-feel environment where staff are encouraged to grow, share ideas, and progress in their early years careers.
Why This Role Appeals
- Step into a leadership role that develops your confidence and career pathway
- Work in a modern, well-resourced early years environment
- Make a meaningful impact on children’s learning, wellbeing, and school readiness
- Supportive team culture with strong leadership and ongoing CPD
- Stable, full-time, permanent opportunity in Compton Acres, Nottingham (NG2)
Apply Today
If you’re an experienced early years practitioner ready to take the next step into leadership as a Third in Charge, we’d love to hear from you. Your skills will be valued, your development will be supported, and you’ll be part of a welcoming Nurseries & Early Years team making a real difference every day in Compton Acres, Nottingham (NG2).
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early interest is warmly encouraged