Deputy Nursery Manager

Kindred Nurseries; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kindred Nurseries is seeking a proactive Deputy Manager to lead a thriving nursery and support the Nursery Manager, ensuring high standards of care and education for children and families. You will role model best practice, coach staff, and contribute to a positive, safe, and stimulating learning environment.

The role requires leading a team, strong communication, and solid EYFS knowledge, with a focus on staff development, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in an Early Years setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Good time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Sound knowledge of the EYFS framework.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager and senior staff to deliver outstanding early years care and education.
• Help create a safe, organised and stimulating environment for children to learn and thrive.
• Lead by example and model best practice in line with EYFS and regulatory requirements.
• Coach and inspire Room Leaders and Practitioners to reach their potential.
• Assist with induction and development of new colleagues within Kindred.
• Monitor practice and support continuous improvement across the nursery.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure nursery policies are followed.
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager when required.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Organisation

Customer service

Time management

EYFS knowledge

Education

Early Years Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Join the Kindred Family – A Place to Grow, Thrive and Make a Difference

At Kindred, we’re passionate about giving children the very best start in life while creating a workplace where our people feel valued, supported and inspired.

Are you an inspiring early years leader who is passionate about supporting children, developing teams and delivering outstanding care and education? Join Kindred as a Deputy Manager and play a key role in leading a thriving nursery where children, families and colleagues can flourish.

Want to know what it’s really like to work at Kindred? Visit our Why Work With Us page to explore our benefits, career development opportunities and discover why so many of our colleagues choose to grow their careers with us.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the Nursery Manager, Third in Charge and Room Leaders to deliver outstanding early years care and education.
• Help create and maintain a safe, organised and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and thrive.
• Lead by example, modelling best practice in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and regulatory requirements.
• Support, coach and inspire Room Leaders and Practitioners to achieve their full potential.
• Assist with the induction, training and development of new colleagues, welcoming them into the Kindred family.
• Monitor practice across the nursery and support continuous improvement.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure nursery policies and procedures are consistently followed.
• Support the Nursery Manager in creating a positive culture where children, families and colleagues feel valued and supported.
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager where required.

What You’ll Need

• A full and relevant Early Years Level 3 Childcare Qualification (or higher).
• Experience of leading or supervising a team within an Early Years setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Good time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Deputy Manager or leadership role.
• Current Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection training (full training will be provided).
• Current Food Hygiene Certificate.

Why You’ll Love Working at Kindred

Supportive Culture: Built on strong relationships, teamwork and a genuine sense of belonging.

Career Development: Access to structured training, leadership development and clear career progression opportunities.

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy structured working hours and a supportive working environment.

Competitive Pay & Benefits: Competitive salaries, regularly benchmarked, alongside a generous benefits package.

Award-Winning Family: Join a company that values recognition, personal growth and team success.

More than 9 out of 10 of our colleagues would recommend Kindred as a great place to work.

What Happens Next?

• Initial video interview.
• Face-to-face interview, including a stay-and-play session (where applicable).
• Safer recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS check and qualification verification.

Click Apply to submit your application.

We review applications as they’re received and aim to respond within 2–5 working days.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to the Kindred family.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Kindred is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references and qualification verification, in line with our safeguarding policy.