Third in Charge - Croydon

 Third in Charge 

• Croydon

• Salary: up to £34,000  

• Potential to earn a further £1,600 in bonus 

Take the next step in your early years career and grow into nursery leadership. 

At Fennies, our Third in Charge plays a key role in supporting the leadership of the nursery while continuing to deliver exceptional care and education within their room. You’ll work closely with the management team, helping to maintain high standards across the setting while developing your own leadership skills. 

If you’re ready to step beyond a Room Leader role and build your future, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

Why join Fennies? 

We believe future leaders deserve the right support, development and recognition.  

Competitive salary and bonus 

• Up to £33,000 annual salary 

• Up to £1,600 performance-related bonus 

• Comprehensive pension scheme 

• £500 referral bonus 

Career Development 

• Targeted professional development programmes 

• Mentoring and support  

• Talent mapping to support your progression to Deputy or Manager roles 

Wellbeing and Lifestyle benefits 

• 20 days annual leave, increasing by 1 per year of service (up to 25) plus bank holidays 

• BUPA Wellbeing Support 

• Free daily meals from the Fennies Café 

A community of committed, high-achieving educators 

• Regular leadership forums and networking  

• Summer BBQs, Christmas events and company celebrations 

• Recognition and reward through the Fennies Club long service awards 

About the Role 

As Third in Charge, you’ll support the leadership team while continuing to lead high-quality practice within your room. 

You will: 

• Support the day-to-day running of the nursery alongside the management team 

• Lead your room, ensuring high-quality care and education 

• Step up in the absence of senior leaders to support operational responsibilities 

• Build strong partnerships with families and maintain open communication 

• Support and mentor team members to develop their practice 

• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and compliance 

This role offers a clear pathway into leadership, giving you exposure to both room-based and nursery-wide responsibilities. 

What we’re looking for 

You’re a confident and caring early years professional who is ready to take your next step into leadership. 

You will have: 

• Level 2 or 3 Early Years qualification (or above) 

• Strong knowledge of EYFS, Birth to 5 Matters and child development 

• Experience of working in an early years setting, ideally as a senior practitioner or room leader 

• A track record of delivering high standards of care and education 

• Experience of strong practice as a Key Person and in implementing safeguarding, health and safety, first aid and critical care policies. 

• Strong organisational, communication and teamwork skills 

• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4 /C or above); or equivalent 

Most importantly, you will bring ambition, initiative and a passion for developing both children and your team. 

Become part of the Fennies DNA 

We’re family-owned and family-run; this guides our culture, our decision-making, and what it feels like to be part of our team. We have a strong sense of community, with connections that bring us together and the systems and processes that mean our educators can focus on what they do best. Quality matters to us – starting with our people and curriculum - through to our beautiful buildings and inspiring environments. We’re investing in Fennies, in our teams, and into the education we provide our children. Our People Promise inspires us to build the kind of culture that is ambitious, passionate and supportive. We provide the environment where you can: 

• Be Yourself 

• Come Together 

• Be All In 

• Go Further 

If this sounds like you, or you just want to know more about what it means to be part of the Fennies family, make contact with us today for a chat. 

Take your next steps with Fennies 

Our friendly Talent Recruitment team are here to answer any questions you may have about Fennies – call us to discuss the role, or if you’re just curious about what it’s like to work at Fennies, let us know and we’ll be happy to answer any questions. Our Talent Recruitment team can be contacted by: 

Phone: 0208 770 3222 

By email: [email protected] 

Or by making an application: https://fennies.com/contact-us 

Diversity and Inclusion 

At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. 

Safeguarding 

Fennies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity. In line with Safer Recruitment guidance, online searches (including social media) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates. 

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 Third in Charge 4