Deputy Manager – Maternity Cover (Preschool/Nursery)

Alignedge Solutions Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A community playgroup in Stoke Newington is looking for a Deputy Manager (Maternity Cover) with a passion for working with children. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in a preschool setting, a Level 3 childcare qualification, and strong knowledge of the EYFS. This term-time role requires excellent leadership skills to support staff and maintain high teaching and safeguarding standards. The position runs from January 2026 to December 2026 and offers a competitive hourly rate of £15.43 for 39 weeks a year.

Benefits

Free snacks and drinks

Paid holidays (5.6 weeks)

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in a preschool or nursery setting.
• Experience leading and motivating staff.
• Valid DBS registered on the Update Service.

Responsibilities

• Support and guide staff in delivering high standards of care and education.
• Ensure teaching, care, and safeguarding standards are met consistently.
• Create a fun and engaging learning environment for children.

Skills

Childcare qualification (Level 3)

Knowledge of the EYFS

First Aid training

Safeguarding training

Food Hygiene training

Ability to lead and support staff

Experience with children aged 2–5 years

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification (NVQ or equivalent)

Job description

Our client is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Deputy Manager (Maternity Cover) to join a community playgroup in Stoke Newington. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years’ experience working in a preschool or nursery setting with children aged 2–5 years. Management experience is desirable.

This is a room-based role, so we are looking for someone who genuinely loves working with children, is warm, caring, and able to make learning fun. You will support, guide, and motivate staff while ensuring teaching, care, and safeguarding standards remain consistently high.

Key requirements

• Minimum Level 3 childcare qualification (NVQ or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS
• First Aid, Safeguarding, and Food Hygiene training (essential)
• Valid DBS registered on the Update Service
• Ability to lead and support staff effectively
• Experience working with children aged 2–5 years
• EYPS or EYT is an advantage

This position is maternity cover, running from January 2026 to December 2026. The role is term‑time only, 36 hours per week.

Working hours

• Mondays: 8:45 am – 5:15 pm
• Tuesday–Friday: 8:45 am – 4:15 pm

Free snacks and drinks are provided. Hourly rate: £15.43. You will work 39 weeks per year and be paid for 5.6 weeks of holiday.