Deputy Nursery Manager

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD; Bradford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + 13 statutory days

Family-friendly policies

Campus facilities including physi"o"th

Counselling & mental health services

Generous employer pension scheme

Car leasing / cycle to work & other란

Job summary

The University of Bradford Nursery is seeking an experienced leader to support daily nursery operations, deputise for the Nursery Manager and drive high-quality early years practice on campus. You will manage staff, coordinate finances and occupancy, and support safeguarding, EYFS implementation and Ofsted readiness.

With substantial supervisory experience and a strong EYFS background, you will foster inclusive practice, engage with families and professionals, and contribute to outstanding

Qualifications

• A full and relevant Level 3 early years qualification.
• Substantial experience in an early years setting, including in a supervisory or management role, with experience of leading staff and managing day-to-day performance.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of the EYFS, safeguarding and child protection requirements.
• Good knowledge of child development and inclusive early years practice, including supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Experience of early education funding and the associated financial and administrative processes.

Responsibilities

• Supporting daily nursery operations and deputising for the Nursery Manager.
• Managing staff deployment, performance and development.
• Coordinating finances, funding, occupancy and admissions.
• Supporting safer recruitment and induction.
• Monitoring the implementation of the EYFS statutory framework and supporting Ofsted inspection readiness.
• Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Health and Safety Champion.
• Building strong partnerships with families, colleagues and professionals.

Job description

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last two years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Safeguarding

The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.

Directorate

Part of the Directorate of People and Culture, the University of Bradford Nursery has supported students, staff and local families since 1992. Awarded our second consecutive Outstanding Ofsted judgement in 2026, we provide nurturing, inclusive early education. The University’s values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion underpin our commitment to children’s wellbeing, strong family partnerships and high-quality practice.

What you will be doing:

• Supporting daily nursery operations and deputising for the Nursery Manager.
• Managing staff deployment, performance and development.
• Coordinating finances, funding, occupancy and admissions.
• Supporting safer recruitment and induction.
• Monitoring the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and supporting Ofsted inspection readiness.
• Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Health and Safety Champion.
• Building strong partnerships with families, colleagues and professionals.

Qualifications/ experience:

• A full and relevant Level 3 early years qualification.
• Substantial experience in an early years setting, including in a supervisory or management role, with experience of leading staff and managing day-to-day performance.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of the EYFS, safeguarding and child protection requirements.
• Good knowledge of child development and inclusive early years practice, including supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Experience of early education funding and the associated financial and administrative processes.

Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can support you.

At the University of Bradford, we recognise and embrace people that work in diverse ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

• 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
• Family-friendly policies
• Great campus facilities including:
• Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
• Counselling & mental health services
• Generous employer contribution pension schemes -https://www.wypf.org.uk
• Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts

Find more information about the many other benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes and campus nursery.

Confronting Inequality : Celebrating Diversity

At the University of Bradford we accept people for who they are regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave.

In line with the University’s commitment to equality charters including Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident and Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, we welcome applications from people identifying with these characteristics. The University has a number of staff networks which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff who hold these and other identities.