Step into a pivotal leadership role within a warm, small nursery setting where every child is known, valued, and supported. This is an opportunity to shape high-quality early years provision, influence practice across the team, and ensure the nursery continues to be a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children and staff alike. You’ll join a supportive organisation that invests in its people and offers 37 hours per week, free on-site parking, discounted childcare, access to an on-site gym, pension scheme, sick pay, and generous annual leave.

About the Role:

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the setting, ensuring high standards of care, education, and safeguarding across all rooms. You will lead and motivate a small team, oversee the effective delivery of the EYFS curriculum, and act as a key point of contact for staff and families. Your role will have a direct impact on children’s outcomes, staff development, and the overall quality and compliance of the nursery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Nursery Manager in the daily operational running of the nursery, ensuring smooth, efficient, and compliant practice across the setting.
• Lead and supervise staff across rooms, providing clear direction, coaching, and support to maintain high standards of care and education.
• Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of the EYFS curriculum, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, inclusive, and child-centred.
• Monitor safeguarding and child protection practices, ensuring policies are followed, concerns are recorded accurately, and procedures are adhered to at all times.
• Promote positive behaviour management strategies, modelling and supporting staff in using consistent, nurturing approaches with children.
• Manage nursery administration tasks, including staff rotas, attendance records, and room occupancy, maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation.
• Maintain thorough record-keeping for children’s learning and development, including observations, assessments, and progress tracking.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and carers, providing regular feedback and responding promptly and professionally to queries or concerns.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior role within an early years setting, such as Room Leader, Third in Charge, or Deputy Manager.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate, support, and challenge staff effectively.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience of planning and delivering the EYFS curriculum.
• Demonstrable understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures, with confidence in following and enforcing policies.
• Experience in implementing positive behaviour management strategies in an early years environment.
• Competence in nursery administration, including use of basic IT systems for record-keeping and documentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a small team and engage effectively with families.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple responsibilities within a busy setting.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working in a small or rural nursery setting.
• Familiarity with digital learning journals or nursery management software.
• Experience contributing to or leading Ofsted inspections or quality improvement initiatives.
• Ability to support staff training and development through mentoring or delivering in-house workshops.
• Knowledge of inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.

Qualifications:

• Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years Education/Childcare (e.g. NVQ, CACHE, or equivalent) – essential.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in areas such as leadership, safeguarding, or behaviour management – desirable.
• Current Paediatric First Aid certificate – desirable.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection training to at least Level 2 – essential, with willingness to update regularly.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths – desirable but strongly preferred.

If you’re an experienced early years professional ready to take the next step in a close-knit, high-quality nursery, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now to play a key role in leading this small setting and supporting children to thrive.