Deputy Manager

Kids Planet Day Nurseries; Ovingdean; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run nursery provider in Ovingdean is seeking a Deputy Manager for a fixed-term maternity cover. You will assist in managing the nursery, ensuring smooth daily operations, and fostering a safe and nurturing environment. The ideal candidate must hold a Level 3 qualification in early years, possess strong knowledge of the EYFS, and have safeguarding experience. The role offers a competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

80% Childcare Discount

Life Insurance cover

Access to health plan

Free meals

Enhanced leave

Wellbeing goodies

Long service awards

Birthday day off

Competitive salary

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum Level 3 qualification in early years education.
• Excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Relevant leadership experience in a nursery environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the nursery manager in daily operations to ensure smooth running.
• Build trusting relationships with families and collaborate with outside agencies.
• Guide the nursery team while ensuring child safety and fun engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Understanding of EYFS

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 qualification in a UK recognised early years qualification

Job description

Overview

What if your next job meant more than just work, what if it meant shaping futures, every day?

Kids Planet is a proud family-run business, we do things with heart and we’re passionate about giving every child the best possible start. No two settings are the same, but all of them are built around our shared values: care, curiosity, and a genuine love for early years.

Join Kids Planet Wakefield Road as a Deputy Manager! - This is a fixed term contract to cover maternity leave

We’re now looking for a Deputy Manager to join our team, someone who’s ready to get stuck in, spark imaginations, and help children thrive.

Why Kids Planet Wakefield Road

• Local to the city centre
• Great transport links
• Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26
• Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women 2025
• Crowned NMT’s Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running
• 80% Childcare Discount – T&Cs apply

What we offer our Deputy Managers

• Life Insurance cover and access to a health plan.
• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!
• Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.
• Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.
• Take the day off on your birthday, it’s all about you!
• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Friendly central support team always on hand to help.

How you’ll make a difference as a Deputy Manager

• Through working alongside the manager to help with all areas of running the nursery, making sure everything runs smoothly day to day.
• By building warm, trusting relationships with families and work together with outside agencies to support each child’s growth and wellbeing.
• Guiding and support the nursery team, keeping children safe at all times and bringing the EYFS to life in a way that’s fun, engaging, and meets all requirements.

What a Deputy Manager needs

• Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Leadership experience within a nursery setting.

Sound like the place for you?

Apply today to join Kids Planet Wakefield Road

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.