Deputy Nursery Manager

Family First Nursery Group; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Chertsey is seeking a passionate leader for Cherrywood Nursery. In this role, you'll support the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children while guiding and mentoring staff to ensure high-quality learning environments. Essential qualifications include a Level 3 Childcare Qualification and fluent English. Enjoy generous leave, childcare discounts, and a supportive work environment. Join us and make a difference in children's lives while advancing your career in early years education.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Childcare Discount

Health & Wellbeing Support

Career Development

Pension Scheme

Referral Bonuses

Free Onsite Parking

Team Events & Celebrations

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in Early Years.
• Experience in a senior role is desirable.
• Knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted standards is important.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example in nurturing environments for children.
• Support children's physical, emotional, and intellectual development.
• Guide and mentor staff in high-quality observations and learning journals.

Skills

Experience in Early Years

Fluent in written and spoken English

Knowledge of EYFS & Ofsted standards

Education

Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare Qualification

Job description

Lead with Heart at Cherrywood Nursery Step into a leadership role where your experience and passion for early years education will truly shine. Cherrywood Nursery, located in the picturesque village of Pirbright, offers a modern, open-plan setting with exceptional facilities designed to spark curiosity and nurture development.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example, creating enriching experiences and environments for children
• Support the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of every child
• Guide and mentor staff, ensuring high-quality observations and learning journals via EyLog
• Promote a strong key person approach and help identify training needs
• Maintain accurate records using EyMan and ensure compliance with EYFS
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, staff, and families at all times
• Act as a role model, demonstrating professionalism, consistency, and care

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare Qualification - Essential
• 1+ year experience in Early Years - Essential
• 6+ months in a senior role - Desirable
• Knowledge of EYFS & Ofsted standards - Desirable
• Montessori experience - Desirable
• Fluent in written and spoken English - Essential

Safeguarding Commitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and thorough vetting procedures.

Equality and Inclusion

Cherrywood is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.

Outstanding Features

• A calming sensory room and exciting soft play area
• Expansive outdoor gardens with a vegetable patch, sensory garden, and outdoor learning spaces
• A dedicated outdoor classroom with climbing frames
• Five age‑specific rooms with tailored resources
• A cosy sleep room and modern changing/toileting facilities
• On‑site kitchen with fresh, homemade meals prepared daily

Welcome and Qualification Bonuses

Welcome Bonus: £1,000 (paid after 6 months) Qualification Bonus: £400 (paid after 6 months)

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave – 24 days + birthday off + bank holidays
• Childcare Discount – 75% off nursery fees for your own children
• Health & Wellbeing Support – Confidential helpline access
• Career Development – Tailored training and clear progression pathways
• Pension Scheme – Competitive and secure
• Referral Bonuses – Help us grow and earn rewards
• Free Onsite Parking
• Team Events & Celebrations – Socials, team‑building, and fun throughout the year
• Career Progression Opportunities – Within a supportive and forward‑thinking nursery group