3rd in Charge, Nursery, Fulham

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced early years professional to join a small, family-run nursery. The 3IC plays an active role in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and supporting the team in delivering high-quality childcare and education. This is a key leadership position within the nursery and involves stepping into management responsibilities in the absence of the Manager and Deputy Manager.

The 3IC will also lead and manage a designated room, ensuring high standards of care and education for children; overseeing the planning and implementation of activities, manage staff within the room, and maintain a safe, stimulating environment that supports each child’s development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

The ideal candidate will hold a minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (QTS highly desirable) and have a strong track record of leading a nursery room. With the support of a committed senior management team, this role offers an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your early years career.

What the role offers

• A warm, highly qualified team and supportive management
• A small, independent family run nursery
• Small class sizes to enable focused, child-led learning
• Staff training and development opportunities
• Auto-enrolment in a workplace pension
• 4 weeks paid annual leave + Bank Holidays
• An extra day of annual leave for every year of service
• A paid day off on your birthday

• Lead the daily operations of the pre-school room
• Plan, deliver, and evaluate age-appropriate learning experiences in line with EYFS
• Supervise, support, and mentor two room practitioners
• Ensure a high standard of care, wellbeing, and learning for every child
• Complete accurate observations, assessments, and documentation
• Step into 3rd in Charge duties when required, supporting the wider nursery team

• Foster a warm, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment
• Encourage children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development
• Support children's learning through play and structured activities
• Promote positive behaviour and wellbeing

• Ensure the room is compliant with safeguarding, health & safety, and hygiene policies
• Conduct regular risk assessments and safety checks
• Supervise mealtimes and manage allergies and dietary needs

• Communicate effectively with parents and carers
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and management
• Attend training, team meetings, and contribute to nursery development initiatives

• Maintain accurate records of children’s development, attendance, and any incidents.
• Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and complies with regulatory requirements.
• Manage room resources and equipment, ensuring they are well-maintained and used effectively.
• Support with administrative duties, including staff schedules, attendance tracking, and resource management.
• Monitor and maintain nursery supplies, equipment, and resources to ensure smooth operations.
• Assist in inspections and audits, preparing necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with Ofsted and other regulatory bodies.

• Assist in ensuring all nursery policies, procedures, and practices are adhered to, including safeguarding and health & safety regulations.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to any safeguarding concerns, following designated procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure the nursery environment remains safe and secure at all times.
• Maintain accurate records of children’s development, attendance, and incident reports.

• At least 2 years experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a Pre-school/Nursery Setting with 0-5 year olds.
• A good understanding of the EYFS Framework.
• Previous experience with Ofsted inspections and compliance (desirable).
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and safeguarding requirements.
• Leadership abilities with a proactive and professional approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with children.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Creativity in planning engaging and educational activities.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent (essential)
• GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths (essential).
• NCFE CACHE Level 4 / 5 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent (desirable)
• Level 3 SEND qualification (desirable)
• Level 3 Leadership & management training (desirable)
• Degree in appropriate subject including Early Years Care, Finance, Business, Marketing. (desirable)

• Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Current Safeguarding certification.
• Current COSHH certification.
• Current Food and Hygiene certification.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
• Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.