Deputy Nursery Manager -£31,000 – £32,000 + *£1000 RETENTION BONUS

Shiregreen - Full time

Are you an experienced childcare professional who combines strong organisational skills with a warm, nurturing approach? We’re looking for a dedicated Deputy Nursery Manager to join our team and help lead exceptional early years practice across the nursery.

About the role:

• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to lead and support the room teams in delivering high quality care and learning in line with the EYFS.

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership, ensuring routines, learning environments and staffing are organised effectively.

• Act as a role model for best practice in pedagogy, behaviour management, safeguarding and health & safety.

• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and contributing to training and appraisals.

• Ensure accurate record keeping, planning, assessments and communication with parents/carers.

• Assist with staff rotas, cover arrangements and recruitment as required.

• Lead on key projects and initiatives that improve outcomes for children and support nursery sustainability (eg. outdoor learning, wellbeing, sustainability practices).

• Maintain compliance with statutory requirements, company policies and local authority guidance.

Key responsibilities:

• Support the Nursery Manager in the overall running of the nursery and deputise in their absence.

• Monitor and improve quality of teaching and learning through observations, feedback and reflective practice.

• Ensure safeguarding is central to practice: maintain up-to-date knowledge, lead safeguarding conversations and complete necessary documentation.

• Foster positive partnerships with families: support admissions, settling-in, parent communication and SEND engagement.

• Promote a safe, stimulating, inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports every child’s development.

• Contribute to budgeting and resource management, including stock ordering and efficient use of supplies.

What we’re looking for:

• A qualified childcare practitioner (minimum Level 3) with recent, demonstrable experience in a supervisory or senior role within early years.

• Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and experience delivering high-quality Early Years pedagogy.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team.

• Confident organiser with good time management, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise workloads.

• Sound understanding of safeguarding, first aid and health & safety in a childcare setting.

• Commitment to inclusive practice, continuous improvement and professional development.

• Willingness to be hands-on and flexible — happy to support across rooms and in daily tasks as needed.

Desirable:

• Leadership qualifications or management training.

• Experience with outdoor learning/Forest School or involvement in sustainability initiatives.

• Previous involvement in quality assurance, Ofsted preparation or improvement plans.

What we offer:

• A supportive, values-driven team and a friendly nursery family.

• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and leadership progression.

• Training and access to resources to enhance practice (including wellbeing & safeguarding support).

• Competitive pay, paid breaks and on-site benefits where available.

• A workplace that values sustainability, wellbeing and a child-centred approach.

Essentials:

• Clear DBS (or willingness to undergo checks).

• Relevant childcare qualifications and current paediatric first aid (or willingness to obtain).

• Right to work in the United States / relevant location.

If you’re passionate about leading with kindness, improving outcomes for children and supporting a team to do their best work — we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and join our nurturing community.

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