Deputy Nursery Manager

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Fleet; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery recruitment agency seeks a Deputy Nursery Manager in Fleet, United Kingdom. In this full-time role, you will collaborate with the Nursery Manager to lead operations and inspire a dedicated team. The ideal candidate has a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, significant leadership experience, and strong EYFS knowledge. Benefits include discounted childcare, ongoing training, and a wellbeing programme. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant nursery environment.

Benefits

Discounted childcare

Wellbeing programme

Paid DBS check

Extra day off for birthday

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 in Early Years Education.
• Proven experience in a deputy management or senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in overseeing daily operations.
• Motivate and guide a team to deliver exceptional learning experiences.
• Manage staff, budgets, and occupancy in the Manager’s absence.

Skills

Level 3 in Early Years Education

Experience in deputy management or senior early years leadership role

Knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards

Organisational and time-management skills

Confident communication skills

Job description

Deputy Nursery Manager | Up to £32,000 + Bonus

Contract Type: Full-time, all year round

Step up, lead with purpose, and make every day meaningful

If you’re an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager ready to take the next step, this is your chance to shine in a large, vibrant nursery where children’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence come first.

You’ll work closely with the Nursery Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operations, inspire your team, and help create an environment where both children and staff can thrive. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who can hit the ground running, build strong relationships, and deliver excellence in every area of nursery life.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum Level 3 in Early Years Education.
• Have proven experience in a deputy management or senior early years leadership role within a large nursery setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Be a confident communicator — warm, professional, and naturally engaging with staff and parents alike.
• Show ambition and drive, with a hunger to continually develop yourself, your team, and the setting.

Why You’ll Love Joining

• Discounted childcare for your own family.
• Access to a wellbeing programme and Employee Assistance support.
• Paid DBS check and an extra day off for your birthday.
• Ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities.
• Access to a staff benefits portal offering a range of discounts and rewards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in overseeing the daily running of the nursery and ensuring the highest standards of care and education.
• Motivate, guide, and develop a team of practitioners to deliver exceptional EYFS‑based learning experiences.
• Take the lead in the Manager’s absence — managing staff, budgets, and occupancy effectively.
• Welcome families with warmth and professionalism.
• Drive quality improvement initiatives and help the setting progress towards an Outstanding Ofsted rating.
• Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and all regulatory requirements.

Reference: WILL181349/JG