Deputy Nursery Manager

Treehouse-Nursery-School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Counselling support

Wellbeing app

Job summary

Treehouse Nursery Schools in Wanstead is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager to partner with the Nursery Manager at Woodbine Place Nursery. You will be a visible leader, ensuring high standards and smooth operation in the absence of the manager.

You will champion the Montessori-informed approach, supervise curriculum quality, safeguarding, and staff development while maintaining a Rights Respecting and inclusive environment for every child and family.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 5 in Early years with an accredited provider.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS 2025 and Ofsted framework.
• Commitment to UNICEF Rights Respecting principles.

Responsibilities

• Support and deputise for the Nursery Manager with full operational responsibility.
• Lead safeguarding and ensure a safe, compliant environment.
• Coach and develop staff using the 9 Box Grid framework.
• Drive high-quality teaching, observation and assessment.
• Build strong relationships with parents and families.
• Contribute to self-evaluation and ongoing improvement.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding (Level 3 DSL)

Montessori knowledge

Staff coaching

Communication with families

Education

Level 5 Early Years Qualification

Relevant degree (preferred)

Paediatric First Aid certificate

Tools

FAMLY nursery management platform

Job description

Who we are

We are an established nursery brand in Wanstead since 1991 and hold children's Rights to the highest standards. We are looking for a leader who will join us in driving the vision and embedded high quality practice.

TreehouseNurserySchoolinEastLondonisdelightedtoannounceanexcitingopportunityforpassionateandskilledNurseryManager.SituatedintheheartofWansteadasaUNICEFrightsrespectingnurserycommittedtofosteringpersonal,emotionalandsocialgrowth,we’reseekingaprofessionalwhosharesourvisiontojoinourteam.

AtTreehouse,weareproudtobeaRightsRespectingNurserySchool,embeddingtheprinciplesoftheUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsoftheChild(UNCRC)intoeveryaspectofourpractice.Wenurturechildren’sunderstandingoftheirrights,ensuringtheyfeelvalued,heard,andempoweredwithinasupportiveandinclusiveenvironment.

If you are enthusiastic about shaping high-performing teams, fostering professional growth, and making a genuine impact within a distinctive and thriving environment, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

We are looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager to work in genuine partnership with our Nursery Manager at Woodbine Place Nursery. You will be a visible, confident leader who the team looks to for direction, support and high standards. On days when the Nursery Manager is absent, you will hold the setting with the same calm authority and operational grip as they do.

We are looking for someone who understands the philosophy deeply, can articulate it clearly to staff and families, and who models it through their own practice. If Early years is something you have studied and lived rather than something you have picked up along the way, this role is for you.

You will support curriculum quality, lead on safeguarding, coach and develop the team, and hold compliance to a standard that means we are inspection-ready every day, not just when Ofsted arrives.

What you will do

• Support and deputise for the Nursery Manager, taking full operational responsibility for the setting when required.
• Embed principles consistently across all rooms, leading by example and supporting staff to deepen their own understanding.
• Drive the quality of teaching, observation and assessment, ensuring our Children's Voices Curriculum is delivered with intent and ambition across all seven areas of learning.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL, holding the safeguarding culture of the setting to the highest standard at all times.
• Lead termly supervisions and manage staff development using our 9 Box Grid framework, coaching individuals and identifying training needs early.
• Support children with SEND, EAL and other barriers to learning through the graduated approach, working closely with the setting SENCo.
• Embed the UNICEF Rights Respecting framework across daily practice, planning and the learning environment.
• Oversee the FAMLY app, including observations, planning cycles, parent communications and compliance records.
• Lead on operational audits, ratios, risk assessments and fire safety procedures.
• Build meaningful relationships with parents and families, creating the kind of open-door culture that Grove is known for.
• Contribute to the self-evaluation and strategic improvement of the setting alongside the Nursery Manager and Director of Education.

Who we are looking for

You will hold a minimum Level 5 in Early years with an accredited provider, or a relevant degree qualification is strongly preferred. What matters most is that your knowledge of Montessori goes beyond theory and into practice.

• Deep, applied knowledge of Early years and how it translates into the environment, the role of the adult and daily provision.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework 2025 and the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Framework.
• Advanced Safeguarding (Level 3 DSL) certificate, or a committed to achieve this within three months of starting.
• Current Paediatric First Aid certificate.
• Experience managing FAMLY or an equivalent nursery management platform.
• A values-led approach to leadership, with the confidence to manage, coach and hold a team to high standards.
• A genuine commitment to children's rights, inclusion and sustainability as everyday practice, not add-ons.
• Experience working in an Ofsted Outstanding provision is an advantage.

What we offer

• A competitive salary reflective of your experience and the seniority of the role.
• 35 days holiday including paid closure days over Christmas and your birthday off.
• Genuine CPD investment, including Montessori and EYFS training and clear leadership progression pathways.
• A collaborative, mission-driven organisation where your voice as a leader is genuinely heard.
• 24/7 confidential counselling helpline, freephone, available whenever you need it.
• Virtual GP access with fast, clinically governed appointments.
• Up to 10 counselling sessions per issue, per year, available by phone, video, online chat or face to face.
• Day one stress intervention and early clinical support to reduce absence and prevent long-term sick leave.
• Legal and financial information support for everyday matters.
• 1-to-1 financial coaching (3 x 30-minute sessions with a qualified financial adviser).
• Occupational health support and manager consultancy.
• Life and leadership coaching sessions for personal and professional development.
• Eldercare and childcare guidance for managing family responsibilities.
• Critical incident support following any high-impact workplace event.
• Wisdom Wellbeing App with over 1,000 exclusive discounts, mood tracking, breathing tools and expert wellness content.
• Family coverage included for partners and dependants in full-time education.
• Day one Sick Pay

Our commitment to safeguarding

Treehouse Nursery Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Ready to join us?

If you are ready to bring your knowledge and your leadership to a team that has already shown what it can achieve, we would love to hear from you.