Job Description

About STEMtacular Childcare

STEMtacular Childcare operates early years settings specialising in high-quality, inquiry-led STEM provision for children aged 0-5 years. Our nurseries combine the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage with rich, hands-on science, technology, engineering and maths learning.

We value curiosity, inclusion, staff development and strong partnerships with families and local communities.

Summary

STEMtacular Childcare is seeking an experienced and passionate

Third in Charge (Room Leader: Toddler Room)

to play a key leadership role within our innovative early years setting in Great Shelford Cambridge.

This is a dual-role position

, combining room leadership responsibility with wider nursery leadership support. You will lead high-quality practice within your designated room while also supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the day-to-day running of the nursery. In the absence of both the Manager and Deputy Manager, you may take responsibility for the setting.

You will lead by example, model outstanding EYFS practice and deliver a rich, STEM-focused curriculum that supports curiosity, inquiry and independent learning. You'll support and mentor staff within your room, ensure inclusive and high-quality provision for all children aged 0-5, and build strong, trusting partnerships with families.

This role is ideal for a confident Room Leader ready to step into a broader leadership role within a forward-thinking, values-led organisation.

If you're passionate about early years education, safeguarding, staff development and inspiring high-quality practice, and you're excited by the opportunity to grow as a leader within an organisation with a strong STEM ethos, then we'd love to hear from you.

Main Purpose of Job

The Third in Charge plays a dual role, combining room leadership responsibility with wider nursery leadership support. The post-holder is responsible for leading high-quality practice within their designated room while also supporting the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in the effective day-to-day running of the nursery.

The role involves leading by example, modelling outstanding EYFS practice, supporting staff development, and ensuring children's safety, wellbeing and learning are central to all aspects of provision. In the absence of both the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, the Third in Charge may assume responsibility for the nursery.

Leadership & Management

Act as Third in Charge, deputising for the Deputy Manager and assuming responsibility for the nursery in the absence of both the Manager and Deputy Manager. Lead the day-to-day practice within a designated room, ensuring consistent, high-quality provision. Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager in motivating, inspiring and leading the staff team. Act as a role model, demonstrating exemplary professional conduct and early years practice. Support staff induction, mentoring and coaching within the room and across the nursery as required. Lead room-based meetings and attend leadership and Room Leader meetings as required. Welcome prospective families and show them around the setting when requested.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

Promote a strong safeguarding culture where children's welfare, safety and wellbeing are paramount. Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed consistently within the room and across the nursery. Ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and feel confident to raise concerns. Maintain confidentiality and accurate record keeping in line with nursery safeguarding procedures.

Curriculum & Assessment

Lead a rich, stimulating and

STEM-focused curriculum

which is embedded within daily practice. Lead the dovetailing of the EYFS with the STEM approach within the designated room, ensuring provision is play-based, inclusive and developmentally appropriate. Deliver and model high-quality teaching, care and interactions through direct work with children. Oversee planning, observation and assessment within the room, ensuring information is used to inform next steps. Act as Key Person where required, maintaining accurate learning journeys and sharing progress with parents/carers. Ensure progress checks, including the two-year-old progress check, are completed accurately and shared appropriately. Support early identification and intervention for children with emerging or additional needs, working with professionals as required.

Operations, Compliance & Health & Safety

Ensure high standards of safety, hygiene and cleanliness are maintained within the room and shared spaces. Support daily risk assessments, room checks and outdoor checks in line with nursery procedures. Ensure all records are accurate and up to date, including registers, accident/incident forms, medication records and sleep charts. Maintain a safe, nurturing environment that supports children's physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Adhere to all health and safety regulations and promote safe working practices at all times.

Partnership & Community Engagement

Build strong, respectful relationships with parents/carers, supporting effective two-way communication. Share information with parents about children's learning, development and wellbeing. Liaise with schools, settings and external professionals to support transitions and continuity of care. Promote a culture of listening, inclusion and partnership within the room and wider nursery.

Staff Development & Wellbeing

Support staff development within the room through coaching, mentoring and reflective practice. Undertake supervision meetings for team members within the room in line with the nursery supervision framework. Feed into appraisals, setting targets and nursery improvement planning as requested by the management team. Encourage positive teamwork, staff wellbeing and a supportive working environment.

Professional Responsibilities

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and best practice in early years education. Attend meetings, training and professional development opportunities as required. Be accountable for the effective delivery of responsibilities within the role. Undertake any additional duties as reasonably required to support the smooth running of the nursery.

Additional Information

This post is exempt from The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as the position involves working within the close proximity of young children. The post holder will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure and to be a member of the DBS Update Service.

All staff will be subject to regular supervision sessions and will be required to sign a suitability declaration on an annual basis to ensure that ongoing suitability is monitored.

All staff must hold an in-date paediatric first aid certificate.

All employees are made aware of their responsibility to notify their Line manager(s) immediately of any changes to their circumstances that may affect their suitability to work with children - this is also the case in terms of any changes to the circumstances of those who live with the member of staff.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. All roles are subject to our safer recruitment procedures, including an enhanced DBS check, at least two independent references, and, where applicable, additional overseas criminal records checks for individuals who have lived or worked abroad.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-35,744.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person