Third In Charge – Wandsworth

Job Title: Third in Charge (Health & Safety Lead) 

Reports to: Nursery Manager / Deputy Manager  Supports: Nursery leadership team in operational delivery and compliance. 

Role Summary 

The Third in Charge (Health & Safety Lead) is a key member of the nursery leadership team, supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in running the nursery and acting as a designated leader in their absence when required. 

As Health & Safety Lead, they are responsible for ensuring high standards of safety, compliance, and risk management across the nursery. They play a vital role in daily operational tasks, staff support, and parent communication, contributing to the smooth running of the nursery and high‑quality experiences for children. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Leadership Support (Tier 6 Accountability) 

• 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. 

2. Health & Safety Lead Duties 

• 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. 

3. Staff & Room Support 

• 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. 

4. Curriculum & Parent Support 

• Work closely with the Deputy Manager to support curriculum delivery where needed. 
• Maintain positive relationships with parents, assisting with daily feedback and updates. 

5. Compliance & Record Keeping 

• Ensure accurate completion of registers, accident forms, risk assessments, and statutory checks. 
• Support with audit preparation and compliance spot checks. 

Linked Accountabilities from the Matrix 

Tier 

Accountability Area 

Third in Charge Role in Matrix 

Tier 4 

Nursery Manager: Site leadership 

Supports Manager in daily operations and H&S compliance 

Tier 5 

Deputy Manager: Curriculum Lead 

Assists Deputy in curriculum delivery when required 

Tier 6 

Third in Charge: H&S Lead 

Owns site‑level health and safety leadership 

Tier 7+ 

Teachers and Assistants 

Mentors and supports junior staff 

Success Indicators 

• All safety checks and risk assessments completed to a high standard and on time. 
• Health & Safety compliance is consistently rated as strong in audits. 
• Staff have a clear understanding of H&S processes and follow them. 
• Nursery remains fully compliant with EYFS and Ofsted safety requirements. 
• Positive parent and staff feedback regarding safe and well‑managed environments. 

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.