Deputy Nursery Manager

The Orchard Day Nursery Wimbledon; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Free lunch during your working day

Generous holiday entitlement

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

The Orchard Day Nursery Wimbledon is seeking an experienced Early Years professional to join us as Deputy Nursery Manager in a room-based role, working closely with the Nursery Manager to lead the team and support children.

This permanent, year-round position offers a competitive salary up to £42,000 per annum (DOE), 40 hours per week, with opportunities for professional development across Inspired Learning Group and a supportive, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• DfE-approved Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Extensive experience in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Leadership experience in roles such as Room Leader, Senior Practitioner or Third in Charge.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding, child development and high-quality Early Years practice.
• Organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail.
• Confidence using IT systems and maintaining records and documentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate and support a team while building positive professional relationships.
• Caring, positive and proactive approach.
• Confidence and ambition to take the next step towards nursery management.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead, motivate and support your room team and maintain high standards of practice.
• Oversee the curriculum and support planning/delivery of high-quality learning experiences.
• Help ensure observations, assessments and planning are used to support children's development.
• Manage staffing on the nursery floor and ensure smooth daily operations.
• Assist with staff supervision, mentoring and professional development.
• Support administration, record-keeping, compliance and nursery IT systems.
• Maintain safeguarding, health and safety, hygiene and children's wellbeing.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Implement nursery policies and ensure compliance with legislation and guidance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across the nursery.
• Step into the Nursery Manager's role when required to provide leadership.

Skills

Team leadership

Administration

Curriculum oversight

Hands-on practice

IT systems

Record-keeping

Communication

Staff mentoring

Education

DfE-approved Level 3 Early Years qualification

Tools

IT systems

Job description

Deputy Nursery Manager – Room Based

The Orchard Day Nursery Wimbledon | Wimbledon, London (SW19)

Permanent | Year-Round | Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week | Up to £42,000 per annum (DOE)

Ready to take the next step in your Early Years career?

At The Orchard Day Nursery Wimbledon, we believe that exceptional Early Years education starts with exceptional people. We're passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn. As well as a space where our team feels supported, valued and encouraged to flourish.

We're looking for an experienced Early Years professional to join our team as Deputy Nursery Manager. This is a room-based role, giving you the opportunity to take on greater leadership responsibility while remaining actively involved in practice and working directly with children.

You don't necessarily need previous Deputy Manager experience. We're particularly keen to hear from experienced Room Leaders, Third in Charges or Senior Early Years Practitioners who are ready to take the next step in their career and develop their leadership skills further.

As part of Inspired Learning Group, you'll enjoy the supportive and welcoming environment of a dedicated nursery while also benefiting from the training, professional development and career progression opportunities available across our wider family of independent schools and nurseries.

What you'll be doing

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery. You'll have a varied role, combining team leadership, administration, curriculum oversight and hands-on practice.

You'll:

• Support the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery, helping to ensure consistently high standards across the setting.
• Take an active role on the nursery floor, leading by example and maintaining excellent standards of Early Years practice.
• Lead, motivate and support your room team, creating a positive environment where practitioners feel valued and encouraged to develop.
• Oversee the curriculum and support the planning and delivery of engaging, high-quality learning experiences in line with the EYFS.
• Help ensure observations, assessments and planning are completed effectively and used to support children's individual development.
• Support the management of the nursery floor, ensuring rooms are appropriately staffed and the day runs smoothly.
• Assist with staff supervision, mentoring, coaching and professional development, helping colleagues reach their full potential.
• Support the Nursery Manager with administration, record-keeping, compliance and nursery IT systems.
• Help maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, hygiene and children's wellbeing throughout the nursery.
• Build strong and positive relationships with parents and carers, ensuring they feel informed, welcomed and confident in the care their children receive.
• Support the implementation of nursery policies and procedures and help ensure the setting remains compliant with relevant legislation and guidance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across the nursery, bringing ideas, initiative and enthusiasm to enhance practice and outcomes for children.
• Step into the Nursery Manager's role when required, providing confident leadership and ensuring continuity across the setting.

We're looking for someone who has:

• A DfE-approved Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Extensive experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Experience in a leadership role, such as Room Leader, Senior Practitioner or Third in Charge.
• A strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding, child development and high-quality Early Years practice.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with good attention to detail.
• Confidence using IT systems and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to lead, motivate and support a team while building positive professional relationships.
• A caring, positive and proactive approach.
• The confidence and ambition to take the next step towards nursery management.

Previous Deputy Nursery Manager experience is not essential—we'd love to hear from experienced Early Years professionals who are ready to progress their career.

Why join The Orchard Day Nursery Wimbledon?

We believe that when our people feel supported and valued, children benefit too. That's why we invest in our team and create opportunities for everyone to grow.

We offer:

• Salary up to £42,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Permanent, year-round employment.
• A varied room-based leadership role with opportunities to develop your management experience.
• Annual salary reviews.
• Discounted childcare.
• Free lunch during your working day.
• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Health and wellbeing support.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Career progression opportunities across Inspired Learning Group.
• A friendly, supportive and inclusive team.
• The opportunity to develop your career within a growing group of independent schools and nurseries.

If you're an experienced Room Leader, Third in Charge or Senior Early Years Practitioner ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Statement

The Orchard Day Nursery Wimbledon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo enhanced DBS clearance, identity, qualification and employment checks, including exploration of any gaps in employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should suitable candidates apply. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.