Deputy Nursery Manager

Willingcare; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Pension scheme

Birthday off

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Willingcare is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager Level 3 in High Wycombe to work alongside the Nursery Manager, guiding Room Leaders and upholding high standards of staffing, safeguarding and daily practice. The role blends leadership with hands-on time in rooms to stay connected with children and the team.

You will need a Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification and proven senior nursery leadership experience with responsibility.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification required.
• Senior nursery leadership experience and responsibility.
• Strong EYFS knowledge and safeguarding familiarity.
• Ability to manage staff performance and operational decisions.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in day-to-day running of the setting.
• Oversee room leaders to maintain planning and assessment standards.
• Monitor safeguarding, health and safety and compliance procedures.
• Manage staff deployment and ratios across rooms.
• Contribute to staff supervision, performance management and training.
• Maintain professional communication with parents and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Ofsted awareness

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Deputy Nursery Manager Level 3 – Up to £35,000

Days here are centred around play-led learning, natural materials and stimulating spaces that encourage children to explore, develop and learn at their own pace. We’re looking for an experienced Early Years leader who can work alongside the Nursery Manager, guide Room Leaders and help keep standards high across staffing, safeguarding and everyday practice.

This position combines leadership responsibilities with time in the rooms, keeping you connected to both the team and the children.

What You’ll Need

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Proven experience in a senior nursery role with leadership responsibility
• Strong working knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted expectations
• Confidence managing staff performance and operational decisions

Why This Role Is Worth Considering

• Salary up to £35,000
• 40 hours per week
• Full-time, permanent position
• Dedicated time for both leadership duties and room-based practice
• Sector-leading training and ongoing professional development
• Discounted childcare
• Competitive annual leave
• Your birthday off
• Pension scheme
• Wellbeing support
• Employee benefits portal

What You’ll Do

• Support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the setting
• Oversee room leaders to maintain planning and assessment standards
• Monitor safeguarding, health and safety and compliance procedures
• Manage staff deployment and ratios across rooms
• Contribute to staff supervision, performance management and training
• Maintain professional communication with parents and external agencies

What Happens After You Apply

Applications will be reviewed against the essential criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial discussion before formal interview.

Reference: WILL261444/DB