Third in Charge – Montessori Nursery – Wandsworth

We are seeking a dedicated, experienced and  innovative early years professional for an established, friendly and supportive Montessori nursery in Wandsworth. You will assist in creating a nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment for children using the Montessori method.

The Third in Charge (3IC) is a key leadership role within the nursery school, supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in ensuring the smooth operation of the 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 role 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. Specific Montessori training is a bonus but not essential.

As a Montessori Professional  you will:

• Have a passion for alternative education.
• Have an ability to teach groups of young children of varying needs, and abilities.
• Have experience of planning a curricula and activities focused on developing social, physical, intellectual, and emotional skills.
• Have patience and excellent  observational, communication, and diagnostic skills.
• Create a nurturing, stimulating classroom where every child feels safe, included and valued.
• Set an excellent example for students and instill good values in them like honesty, understanding, and kindness.

The role is 40 hours per week and can be performed over 4 or 5 days

• Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Take responsibility for leading the nursery team in the absence of the Manager and Deputy Manager
• Assist in onboarding, mentoring, and supervising team members to uphold high standards of childcare.
• Conduct team briefings and support staff with planning and delivering educational activities.
• Perform staff appraisals and participate in recruitment and selection processes.
• Act as a positive role model and provide leadership, guidance, and support to nursery staff.
• Ensure all staff members adhere to nursery policies and procedures.
• Address and resolve any immediate issues with parents, staff, or operations as needed.

• Plan and deliver a high-quality, age-appropriate curriculum that meets the developmental needs of the children.
• Ensure that the curriculum is effectively implemented, supporting children’s learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
• Observe, assess, and record each child's progress, and plan for their individual needs.
• Create a warm, welcoming, and stimulating environment where children feel secure and happy.
• Promote inclusive practices and ensure all children, including those with special educational needs, are supported.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times.
• Conduct daily health and safety checks and risk assessments.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards within the room.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns to the designated safeguarding lead.

• Build strong, positive relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Communicate regularly with parents about their child's progress and daily activities.
• Organize and participate in parent meetings and events.

• 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.

• MACTE Accreditation (desirable)
• Minimum Level 3 Montessori Pedagogy qualification or other full and relevant EYF qualification (desirable)
• Level 3 Leadership & management training (desirable)
• GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.

• 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)*.