Deputy Nursery Manager

Shorefields; Brentwood; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free daily lunch

Free parking

Extra birthday day off

Pension

Staff events

Job summary

The Tree House Club is seeking a dedicated Nursery Deputy Manager to oversee daily operations of our forestry nursery. You will lead staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a nurturing environment for children.

Role involves developing curriculum, managing resources, and liaising with parents. Eligible candidates have supervisory experience, Level 3+ Early Years qualification, and safeguarding knowledge.

Qualifications

• Supervisory or deputy management experience in nursery/early years settings.
• Level 3 or higher early years qualification.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories and practices.
• Experience of SENCO responsibilities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in early years education.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Manager to lead the nursery team and uphold high standards of care and education.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum to support learning and development.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and safeguarding regulations.
• Keep accurate records of children's progress and staff performance.
• Engage with parents and external stakeholders to address concerns and queries.
• Organise staff training and development opportunities.
• Support daily nursery operations including budgeting and resources.
• Collaborate with external agencies to support children with additional needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safeguarding

SENCO experience

Education

Level 3 Early years qualification

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2495354-3 Position Type: Early Years Pay Range: £15.50 per hour

Position Start Date: 26/10/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 19/10/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 20/10/206

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Nursery Deputy Manager to oversee the daily operations of our forestry nursery. The ideal candidate will have a passion for early childhood education and a strong understanding of child development. This role involves managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and creating a nurturing environment for children.

Working 4 days a week 7.30am to 6.30pm £33k - £38k

Benefits for our Nursery Deputy Manager include:

• Free daily lunch
• Free parking
• Extra birthday day off on us!
• Pension
• Staff events

Deputy Manager Duties

• Assist the Manager to manage the nursery team, providing guidance and support to ensure high standards of care and education.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum that promotes children's learning and development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including health and safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of children's progress and development, as well as staff performance.
• Foster positive relationships with parents and guardians, addressing any concerns or queries they may have.
• Organise staff training sessions and professional development opportunities to enhance team skills.
• Assist with the daily operations of the nursery, including budgeting, resource management, and maintaining a safe environment.
• Collaborate with external agencies to support children with additional needs.

Deputy Manager Experience

• Previous experience in a supervisory or deputy managerial role within a nursery or early years setting is essential.
• A relevant qualification in early childhood education or childcare (e.g., Level 3 or above).
• Strong knowledge of child development theories and practices.
• Experience of SENCO responsibilities.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively engage with parents, staff, and external stakeholders.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development in early years education.

Safer recruitment

The Treehouse Forestry Nursery and Out of School Club applies safer recruitment policies to ensure that all of our staff are suitable to work with children and young people. We advise you in advance that two people will be involved in your recruitment process. Both people will partake in your interview and each person will individually review all applications and paperwork to ensure that you are suitable for the role.

Part of our safer recruitment procedure includes obtaining references for you. One of these references must be your latest employer. If you are unable to obtain a reference before the interview from your current employer then you must obtain references from the employer before that as well as one other reference.

References from former employers are preferable over any other referee. Please note that we will need to obtain a reference from your latest employer before completing our processes for you to commence working for us.

We are at liberty to advise you that if there are gaps in your employment history or any other information that gives us cause for concern, we will contact your former employers to obtain further information and satisfy any concerns that we have.

We do not offer sponsorship to overseas applicants.

Eligibility to work within the UK

We will need to obtain evidence from you to confirm that you are eligible to work within the UK. We confirm that this information, as well as all personal information, will be held in our Staff Central Record.

Information about the School

The Tree House Club is a welcoming, child-centred forestry Nursery and Pre School committed to providing high-quality early education and care through a strong connection with nature and the outdoors.

We can offer you

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

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