Job Description: Third in Charge / Room Leader

This job descriptions provides an insight of what is expected from our Third in Charge personnel within Hatching Dragons schools.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Information
Post Title	Third in Charge / Room Leader
Direct Report	Nursery Manager
Indirect Reports	Deputy Nursery Manager
Probation	6 Months during which time probationary assessments must be passed, digital training programmes completed and positive peer review secured
Notice Period	9 weeks
Role Overview: The Third in Charge plays a key role in supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Nursery Manager while primarily focusing on the smooth running of the nursery rooms. They ensure high-quality care and education within their designated room while stepping into a leadership role in the absence of senior management, but only on a temporary basis until the senior leadership team intervenes.
Key Areas of Responsibility: Room Leadership and Daily Operations Oversee the daily operations of their designated room, ensuring a safe, engaging, and well-managed learning environment. Lead and support the room staff, ensuring high standards of care and education are maintained. Support the implementation of the curriculum, adapting activities to meet the developmental needs of children. Ensure all safeguarding, health, and safety policies are followed within the room. Support to Senior Leadership Assist the Nursery Manager and Deputy Nursery Manager in their duties as needed. Step into an interim leadership role in the absence of both the Nursery Manager and Deputy Nursery Manager, ensuring operational continuity for short periods. Support with audits, inspections, and maintaining compliance with nursery policies. Child Development and Parent Communication Monitor and document children’s progress, ensuring developmental milestones are met. Communicate with parents regularly, providing updates on their child’s progress and addressing concerns. Work closely with the SEND Coordinator and other specialists to support children with additional needs. Staff Support and Training Provide guidance, mentorship, and role modeling to nursery staff within their room. Assist with onboarding and training new team members to ensure consistency in nursery standards. Conduct peer observations and support staff in delivering high-quality childcare. Compliance and Quality Assurance Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of children’s development, daily reports, and incident logs. Maintain compliance with all safeguarding and health & safety requirements. Assist in ensuring the nursery meets and exceeds regulatory standards during inspections
Required Qualifications	Essential: Relevant childcare qualification to level 3 or above; Up to date DBS; Food Hygiene; A positive approach to gaining further qualifications and trainings.
Skills	Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills with the ability to step up when required. Strong understanding of EYFS, child development, and safeguarding practices.
Experience	Minimum of 2 years in a nursery setting
Core competencies	Leadership and Initiative: Capable of managing a room effectively and stepping into leadership when needed. Adaptability: Flexible in responding to changing nursery needs. Empathy and Patience: Strong relationship-building skills with children, staff, and parents. Attention to Detail: Ensures compliance with nursery policies and regulatory standards.
Safer Recruitment	Hatching Dragons are comited to ensure that all staff working with children meet all suitability standards to the highest level. This is to ensure that children in our care are provided with the best outcomes. You can review our "Safer Recruitment and Suitable Staff" policy on the link.