Deputy Nursery Manager

Kindred Nurseries; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Career development

Work-life balance

Supportive culture

Job summary

Kindred Nurseries is seeking a Deputy Manager to work closely with the Nursery Manager to support day-to-day operations, inspire your team and ensure the highest standards of care and education are delivered daily.

You will lead by example under EYFS, coach staff, monitor practice, build strong relationships with families, and deputise when needed, in a warm, supportive environment where staff can grow.

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager and lead a team to deliver high-quality care and education.
• Create a safe, organised environment for children to learn and thrive.
• Lead by example in line with EYFS and regulatory requirements.
• Coach Room Leaders and Practitioners to reach their potential.
• Assist with induction, training and onboarding of new colleagues.
• Monitor practice and support continuous improvement.
• Build relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Maintain nursery records and policies.
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager as required.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Organisation

Time management

Customer service

EYFS knowledge

Education

Early Years Level 3 Childcare Qualification or higher

Job description

As Deputy Manager, you'll work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the day-to-day running of the nursery, inspire your team and ensure the highest standards of care and education are delivered every day.

You will:

• 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.

Requirements:

• 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.

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.

Why You'll Love Working at Kindred

• At Kindred, we're more than a nursery group - we're a family.
• 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?

Our recruitment process may include:

• 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.

Ready to Start Your Kindred Journey?