Step into a pivotal leadership role with a well-established nursery in Chessington, where you’ll help shape a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment for young children. This is an opportunity to combine hands-on practice with strategic input, supporting the Nursery Manager and leading a committed team to deliver consistently high-quality care and education.

About the Role:

As Nursery Deputy Manager, you will support the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the smooth operation of rooms, staff deployment and child routines. You will drive the effective implementation of the EYFS, safeguarding procedures and nursery policies, acting as a role model for best practice. Working closely with the Nursery Manager, you will contribute to continuous improvement, Ofsted readiness and a culture of excellence for children, families and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Nursery Manager in the daily operational management of the nursery, ensuring rooms are appropriately staffed and routines run smoothly.
• Lead, motivate and support room leaders and practitioners to deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS.
• Oversee safeguarding and child protection procedures, ensuring concerns are recorded, reported and followed up in accordance with policy.
• Coordinate curriculum planning, ensuring age-appropriate, engaging and inclusive learning experiences across all rooms.
• Monitor and quality assure observation, assessment and record-keeping, ensuring children’s progress is accurately tracked and shared.
• Conduct regular staff supervision meetings, contribute to performance appraisals and support individual development plans.
• Promote positive behaviour management strategies, modelling consistent, nurturing and effective guidance for children and staff.
• Support regulatory compliance and Ofsted readiness by maintaining high standards of health, safety, documentation and practice throughout the nursery.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior or supervisory role within an early years setting, such as Room Leader, Senior Practitioner or Deputy Manager.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire, coach and support staff at all levels.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures, with confidence in implementing policies and escalating concerns.
• Solid understanding and practical application of the EYFS, including planning, assessment and evaluation.
• Experience in staff supervision, performance review and providing constructive feedback.
• Demonstrable skills in behaviour management and positive guidance, supporting children’s emotional and social development.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and expectations for Ofsted inspections within early years settings.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience contributing to successful Ofsted inspections or quality improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of additional frameworks or approaches (e.g. Forest School, Reggio-inspired practice, or other child-centred pedagogies).
• Experience working with children with SEND and implementing individual support plans.
• Confidence in building strong partnerships with parents and external professionals.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare (or equivalent) – required.
• Level 4 or above in Early Years, Childcare, or a related field – desirable.
• Up-to-date Paediatric First Aid certification – desirable.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection training to at least Level 2 (Level 3 preferred).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to early years leadership and management.

If you’re a committed early years professional ready to take the next step in leadership, this role offers the scope to make a real difference. Apply now to help lead a high-quality nursery where children’s wellbeing and learning are at the heart of everything.