Third in Charge (Maternity Cover)

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.