Job Title: Third In Charge (Maternity Cover)
Location: Abacus Ark- Earlsfield
Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (40 hours per week over 4 days – 3 days off per week)
Salary: £35,000
About Us:
Abacus Ark Nursery is a family-owned and operated nursery school devoted to the well-being and development of children. Our child-focused team is passionate about delivering the highest quality of care and education. Our nursery offers a vibrant and welcoming environment where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn. We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Nursery Practitioners to join our team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young children! At Abacus, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.
What You’ll Enjoy:
-
A 4-Day Work Week: Full-time hours across 4 days, giving you that day off each week to rest, recharge, or pursue personal passions.
-
32 Days Annual Leave: Including 4 personal wellbeing days and 8 bank holidays
-
Medical Cashback Plan: Health Shield plan worth over £1,000 annually, covering everyday health costs like dental, optical, and therapies
-
Training & Development: Ongoing courses in First Aid, Safeguarding, and more—plus access to our self-paced learning platform, Flick.
-
Mentorship & Support: Learn from experienced early years educators and receive regular guidance and feedback
-
Mental Health Support: Access to resources and a workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing
-
Paid DBS Check: We cover the cost, so you can focus on what matters
-
Company Pension and Events: Including social activities that help you feel part of a community
Professional Requirements:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum)
- Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and health & safety best practices.
- Experience of mentoring junior staff or leading by example in a room.
- Confidence in risk assessments, incident reporting, and compliance processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as third in charge, stepping up in the absence of both Manager and Deputy.
- Support in day to day operations, ensuring staffing ratios and room coverage.
- Assist in implementing site KPIs, working with the leadership team to achieve targets.
- Lead on daily safety checks, risk assessments, and reporting of hazards.
- Maintain compliance with safeguarding, fire safety, and H&S policies.
- Ensure all staff understand their role in keeping children safe and that incidents are reported appropriately.
- Support with accident, incident, and first aid reporting
- Act as a role model for best practice, supporting Key Teachers and Assistants.
- Help to mentor junior staff, especially in health, safety, and compliance practices.
- Support in organising room transitions, routines, and resources.
- Work closely with the Deputy Manager to support curriculum delivery where needed.
- Maintain positive relationships with parents, assisting with daily feedback and updates.
- Ensure accurate completion of registers, accident forms, risk assessments, and statutory checks.
- Support with audit preparation and compliance spot checks.
