Deputy Nursery Manager

Great Starts Recruitment LTD; Bushey Heath; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A local nursery in Bushey is seeking a Nursery Deputy Manager to support its operations and ensure high-quality care for children. This full-time role demands strong leadership and management skills, requiring candidates to hold a Level 3 childcare qualification and have experience in a managerial nursery role. The role includes overseeing nursery compliance, staff development, and partnership building with parents while offering competitive salary and various perks.

Benefits

Competitive salary with annual pay reviews

Paid overtime for nursery-wide meetings

Performance recognition and reward schemes

Excellent in-house training

Company pension scheme

Up to 43 days annual leave

Free private medical care

Recommend-a-friend bonus up to £750

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 childcare qualification (recognised scheme such as CACHE, NVQ, NNEB, BTEC, CWDC Diploma).
• At least two years’ experience in a managerial position in a Good or Outstanding nursery.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day management of the nursery as per policies and Ofsted requirements.
• Lead, mentor and develop staff to ensure high standards of care and education.
• Manage occupancy levels and contribute to nursery marketing.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

Minimum Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Nursery Deputy Manager

Bushey

Full time, Permanent

£31,000 pa

About the Role

Great Starts Recruitment are working on behalf of a nursery in Bushey to recruit a dedicated Nursery Deputy Manager. This is a full‑time leadership role, supporting the Nursery Manager to ensure every child receives the highest quality of care, is kept safe, and enjoys stimulating learning experiences that meet their individual needs in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.

You will work closely with the Manager to lead and inspire a motivated team, ensuring the nursery maintains compliance, achieves excellence, and provides a welcoming, safe, and nurturing environment. In the Manager's absence, you will take full responsibility for nursery operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the effective day‑to‑day management of the nursery in line with policies, operational plans, and Ofsted requirements
• Promote exemplary practice in safeguarding, health & safety, and EYFS delivery
• Lead, mentor and develop staff to ensure high standards of care and education
• Oversee recruitment, inductions, training, appraisals, and staff rotas
• Manage occupancy levels and contribute to nursery marketing and parent partnerships
• Maintain accurate records, compliance folders, and ensure readiness for Ofsted inspections
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external agencies
• Foster a positive, professional, and caring environment for both children and staff

About You – The Ideal Candidate

You will bring a strong mix of professional childcare knowledge, leadership ability, and a warm, approachable personality.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum Level 3 childcare qualification (recognised awarding scheme such as CACHE, NVQ, NNEB, BTEC, CWDC Diploma)
• At least two years' experience in a managerial position in a Good or Outstanding nursery
• Strong knowledge of child development, safeguarding, health & safety, and EYFS
• Proven leadership skills, including staff supervision, appraisals, and team development
• Excellent organisational, communication, and decision‑making skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable

• Level 4/5 qualification in Early Years or Management (or willingness to work towards)
• Graduate or postgraduate training (e.g. Early Years Teacher, Professional, or Educator)
• Experience working in multi‑site or large nursery settings
• Evidence of successfully achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted results

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary with annual pay reviews
• Paid overtime for nursery‑wide staff meetings
• Performance recognition and reward schemes
• Excellent in‑house training & clear career progression pathways
• Company pension scheme
• Up to 43 days annual leave for long service (inclusive of bank holidays & Christmas closure)
• Discretionary leave and an extra day off for your Birthday
• Free private medical care
• Free on‑site parking
• Staff well‑being perks, treats, and mental health support
• Recommend‑a‑friend bonus up to £750
• Celebrations & gifts for special occasions
• Nursery Christmas parties & social events

If this sounds like a role that you would be a great fit for, please do not hesitate to apply as the nursery are looking to hold interviews asap.