Deputy Manager

Ark Start; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Ark Start is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager (Level 3 Qualified) to support the day-to-day leadership of a busy nursery in London. You will lead, coach and develop practitioners, ensuring outstanding childcare and learning in line with the EYFS.

The role focuses on safeguarding, staff development, and building strong relationships with families and the community. A strong track record in early years leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in early years settings.
• Strong communication and collaboration with families.
• Excellent organisation andRecord-keeping skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in day-to-day leadership and management of the nursery.
• Act as the nursery lead in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
• Lead and model outstanding early years practice in line with the EYFS.
• Coach and develop Room Leaders, Early Years Educators and Nursery Practitioners.
• Ensure high-quality learning experiences that support development and school readiness.
• Monitor planning, observations, and assessments to maintain standards.
• Champion safeguarding and promote children's welfare at all times.
• Ensure compliance with nursery policies, EYFS requirements, health and safety standards.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement across the setting.
• Build strong partnerships with families and lead tours and settling-in visits.
• Foster an inclusive environment for children, families and colleagues.
• Collaborate with SENDCo to support children with additional needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Staff development

Education

Level 3 Early Years Educator

Job description

Deputy Nursery Manager - Level 3 Qualified

Are you an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager, Room Leader, or Senior Early Years Practitioner ready for your next challenge? At Ark Start, we're looking for a passionate and ambitious early years professional to support the day-to-day leadership of our nursery, ensuring the highest standards of childcare, learning, safeguarding and team development.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator with strong knowledge of the EYFS, nursery operations and staff leadership to develop their career within a growing and values-driven early years organisation.

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager to oversee daily nursery operations, lead and develop practitioners, maintain outstanding standards of care and education, and ensure full compliance with safeguarding and regulatory requirements. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality early years education, supporting children aged 0-5 to achieve their full potential while building strong relationships with families and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in the effective day-to-day leadership and management of the nursery.
• Act as the nursery lead in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
• Lead and model outstanding early years practice in line with the EYFS.
• Support, coach and develop Room Leaders, Early Years Educators and Nursery Practitioners.
• Ensure high-quality learning experiences that support children's development, wellbeing and school readiness.
• Monitor planning, observations and assessments to maintain excellent standards across the nursery.
• Champion safeguarding and promote the welfare of children at all times.
• Ensure compliance with nursery policies, EYFS requirements, health and safety standards and operational procedures.
• Support quality assurance processes and contribute to continuous improvement across the setting.
• Build strong partnerships with families, leading nursery tours, settling-in visits and parent meetings where appropriate.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for children, families and colleagues.
• Work closely with the SENDCo and wider team to support children with additional needs.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely communication with families and professionals.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and induction of new team members.
• Promote a positive culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience in a leadership role such as Deputy Nursery Manager, Room Leader, Third in Charge or Senior Nursery Practitioner.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, child development and safeguarding.
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• Commitment to providing exceptional childcare and early years education