Nursery 3rd in Charge

My client in South West London in Tooting area SW17 area is seeking a 3rd in Charge in a Nursery. You need to have a level 3 or above nursery practitioner qualification to apply.

**Reports to**:
Directors/Operations Manager/Nursery Manager/Deputy Manager

**Role purpose**:
The Third in Charge is a qualified Early Year’s childcare professional whose main role is to support the Nursery Manager and Deputy in providing professional leadership and management of the nursery. They will effectively support the management of the day-to-day running of the nursery, delivering the highest standards of care and education, and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and the policies and procedures at all times. When required they will have the confidence to make day-to-day decisions thoughtfully and with a high degree of sensibility to the needs of the staff, children and families, seeking guidance where needed. As the Third in Charge you will liaise with the Manager and Deputy to contribute to the strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation and development of the nursery.

This role is room based with tasks organised by the Manager/Deputy as required. In the absence of either the Manager or Deputy, time out of the room/in the office may be required and will be organised accordingly.

**Main duties and responsibilities**:

- To implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, complying with the statutory framework for the EYFS, as well as any relevant legislation including (but not limited to) The Children’s Act 1989 and 2004.
- To remain up to date with any current developments in childcare and education policies and practices, including (but not limited to) Safeguarding.
- To provide support in the organisation of the nursery, ensuring that policies and procedures are carried out effectively at all times, including the nursery’s Code of Conduct.
- Take shared responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the children, ensuring that their needs are met, and taking overall responsibility of this in the absence of the Manager/Deputy.
- To ensure a stimulating, attractive and welcoming environment for the staff, children and families that is reflective of all areas of the nursery, providing high standards of quality within the nursery, including the environment, resources, and experiences offered to children.
- To ensure effective implementation of key-persons, and that all key-persons understand their role in building relationships with a small group of children and their families.
- To support children’s transitions both internally and externally.
- Maintain all children’s records to a high standard with regard to confidentiality and data protection.
- To ensure learning experiences of the highest quality through a range of well-planned play which is enjoyable and challenging, and with opportunities for children to engage in activities planned by adults, as well as child-initiated activities.
- To assist staff in carrying out regular observations and evaluations of children’s activities.
- To support the implementation of observation, assessment and planning systems within the nursery, and ensure that it is effective through cohort tracking.
- To monitor all observations, trackers and reports on the EYlog system or paper based records, ensuring that children’s learning journeys are kept up to date and are reflective of their current development and progress.
- To reflect on practice and routines, tailoring them to meet the individual needs of the children in the setting at one time.
- To support the development of good practice with regard to special needs and inclusion, and to work alongside other professionals and agencies when needed.
- To develop, promote and facilitate partnership with parents/carers and other family members, including actively advertising and supporting nursery events, and liaising with them via one-to-one meetings or telephone calls when necessary.
- To establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and families, ensuring professional, positive, polite and honest communication at all times (both verbal and non-verbal). All verbal and non-verbal communications should be of a high standard in regard to grammar.
- Maintain personal contact with families through meetings, parents’ meetings, scheduled calendar events, and informal conversations.
- Ensure that parents are fully informed about their child’s development and receive regular updates about nursery events.
- To share with and receive from parent’s information about children during the registration process, ensuring all appropriate documents are received, and paperwork is completed fully.
- To support the management of the staff team and be accountable for staffing within the nursery during the Managers/Deputy’s absence, maintaining appropriate legal ratios at all times as set out in the statutory guidance.
- To support and carry out the safer recruitment processes as outlined in