Assistant Nursery Manager

Lime Tree Nursery; South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group is seeking an Assistant Nursery Manager ready to take the next step in their early years career. This role involves supporting the Nursery Manager, mentoring staff, and delivering high-quality childcare. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in a leadership role. Opportunities for professional growth and a clear path to becoming a Nursery Manager are provided, along with various benefits including training, childcare discounts, and potential bonuses.

Benefits

Clear progression to Nursery Manager

Ongoing training and CPD

Staff childcare discount

Paid leave on birthday

Potential sign-on bonus

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above is essential.
• Experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner, or Deputy is required.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child development is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in daily operations and step in when needed.
• Lead and mentor a staff team while enhancing your management skills.
• Deliver a child-led curriculum and create a nurturing environment.
• Ensure the nursery meets EYFS and Ofsted standards.
• Maintain positive relationships with parents and families.
• Assist with administrative tasks including budgeting and record keeping.
• Welcome new families and support the key person system.

Skills

Strong knowledge of EYFS

Child development understanding

Warm communication skills

Leadership capabilities

Organizational skills

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Location: Multiple locations around Barnsley, North Notts, Rotherham and Sheffield

Hours: Up to 40 hours per week

Salary: Up to £28,600

Are you ready to take the next big step in your early years career? Join Lime Tree Nursery as our Assistant Nursery Manager, where you’ll not only help lead a warm, nurturing setting, but also receive dedicated training and development to progress into a future Nursery Manager role.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Early Years professional who is passionate about high-quality childcare and eager to grow their leadership skills within a supportive, forward-thinking nursery group.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the setting and confidently stepping into the Manager role during their absence.
• Leading, mentoring, and inspiring a passionate staff team while strengthening your own management skills.
• Helping deliver an ambitious, child-led curriculum and creating enabling environments where children can flourish.
• Ensuring the nursery meets and exceeds EYFS and Ofsted requirements, with the aim of achieving a minimum ‘Good’ rating.
• Building strong, positive relationships with parents and families and ensuring communication is warm, professional, and supportive.
• Assisting with key administrative tasks including staffing ratios, record keeping, budgeting, petty cash, and maintaining accurate data.
• Welcoming new families, supporting the key person system, and helping maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.

Your Pathway to Nursery Manager

This role is perfect for someone looking to step up. You will receive:

• Hands‑on leadership experience
• Regular mentoring from the Nursery Manager and Area Manager
• Opportunities to lead within the setting
• Management training, supervisions, and tailored CPD
• A clear progression route toward becoming a Nursery Manager

What We’re Looking For

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and child development.
• Experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner, Deputy, or similar.
• A warm, confident communicator who can motivate and support others.
• Someone organised, proactive, and focused on delivering high-quality practice.
• A team player who wants to develop into a management role.

Why Join Us?

• Clear progression to Nursery Manager
• Ongoing training and CPD tailored to your development
• Supportive, friendly nursery teams
• Staff childcare discount
• Qualification-related pay
• Paid leave on your birthday
• Team socials and staff functions
• Receive up to a £500 sign‑on bonus upon successful completion of your probation period!