Deputy Nursery Manager

Family First Nursery Group; Guildford; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A prominent nursery group in Guildford is seeking a Nursery Third in Charge to lead and mentor staff while creating enriching experiences for children. The ideal candidate should hold a Level 3 Childcare Qualification and possess at least 1 year of experience in Early Years. This role offers competitive hourly pay, generous leave, and several bonuses incentivizing professional development. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Benefits

Welcome Bonus of £1,000

Qualification Bonus of £400

24 days annual leave + birthday off

75% off childcare fees

Health & Wellbeing Support

Career Development Opportunities

Pension Scheme

Referral Bonuses

Free Onsite Parking

Team Events & Celebrations

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in Early Years.
• 6+ months in a senior role is desirable.
• Knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted standards is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example in creating enriching experiences for children.
• Support the physical, emotional, and intellectual development.
• Guide and mentor staff in observations and learning journals.

Skills

Level 3 Childcare Qualification

Experience in Early Years

Fluent in written and spoken English

Education

Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare Qualification

Job description

Nursery Third in Charge – Cherrywood Nursery

📍 Location : Cemetery Pales, Pirbright, GU24 0JT

🕒 Contract : Permanent | 34 hours per week

💰 Hourly Rate : £13.72

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

🎓 Qualification Bonus : £400 (paid after 6 months)

🌿 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.

Our Standout 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

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• £1,000 Welcome Bonus – A warm and rewarding start
• £400 Qualification Bonus – Celebrate your Level 3 expertise after 6 months
• Generous Annual Leave – 24 days + your 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

Your Role as Nursery Third in Charge

• 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
• Note: Duties may evolve to meet the needs of the nursery.

What We’re Looking For

• ✅ 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.

Ready to take the next step in your early years career? Apply now and become a key part of our Cherrywood family!

Cherrywoodis 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