Apple Montessori School London

Full-Time | Immediate Start | Salary starts at £29,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Apple Montessori School London is looking for a confident, experienced and proactive Third in Charge to join our nursery team as soon as possible. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced early years professional who is ready to take on a key leadership role and make a real difference to the children, families and team.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager to support the smooth and effective running of the nursery. Importantly, when both the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager are absent, the Third in Charge will be expected to confidently step up, take the lead and oversee the day to day operation of the nursery.

About the Role

The Third in Charge will play an active role in leading the team and maintaining the high standards we expect across our nursery.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading, supporting and motivating the nursery team, providing clear direction and acting as a positive role model.
• Taking responsibility for the day to day running of the nursery in the absence of both the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager.
• Ensuring staff are appropriately deployed and that the nursery operates safely and efficiently.
• Supporting practitioners in delivering high quality care, education and learning experiences.
• Ensuring rooms are tidy, organised, well resourced and ready for the children each day.
• Completing and managing food orders, ensuring the nursery has the supplies required.
• Supporting the organisation of special events, celebrations and seasonal activities.
• Decorating and preparing the nursery for events, creating welcoming and engaging environments for children and families.
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, cleanliness and presentation.
• Supporting staff with their day to day responsibilities and providing guidance when required.
• Building positive and professional relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Dealing confidently with questions, concerns and day to day issues.
• Taking initiative and identifying what needs to be done without always waiting for direction.
• Supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with other operational and leadership responsibilities as required.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is confident, hands on, organised and an excellent team leader.

You will be someone who takes ownership, communicates effectively, remains calm under pressure and is comfortable making decisions. Most importantly, you will have the confidence and ability to step up and lead the nursery when senior management are absent.

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 or higher full and relevant Early Years qualification.
• Proven experience leading a team within an early years or educational setting.
• Experience and confidence in taking responsibility for the day to day running of a nursery or educational setting.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• In date Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make appropriate decisions.
• Proactive, reliable and willing to get involved in all aspects of nursery life.
• A genuine passion for providing outstanding care, education and experiences for children.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who doesn't need to be told what needs doing. You will take pride in the nursery environment, support your colleagues and be willing to get involved wherever needed.

Whether it is leading the team, ensuring the rooms are ready for the children, completing food orders, preparing for an event or dealing with an unexpected situation, you will be someone who takes ownership and gets things done. This is an important leadership position, and we are looking for someone who is ready to step up, lead with confidence and make a positive impact.

What's in it for you?

• A supportive team: Join a friendly team where everyone plays an important role in the success of the business.
• A positive working environment: Work in a business that values hard work, reliability and a positive attitude.
• Opportunity to grow: Develop your skills, gain valuable experience and build your confidence in the role.
• Be part of something meaningful: Take pride in your work and see the difference you make to the day-to-day running and success of the business.
• A chance to make the role your own: Bring your ideas, initiative and personality to the team, with the opportunity to make a real contribution.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and provide proof of their right to work.

How to Apply:

If you are an experienced early years professional with strong leadership skills and are available to start ASAP we would love to hear from you.