Deputy Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Willingcare is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager (Level 3) to support the Nursery Manager in delivering high-quality care and education. The role involves leading the team, safeguarding, and ensuring Ofsted standards are met.

The successful candidate will hold a full Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher, with senior experience in an Early Years setting and a commitment to child-centered, play-based learning. Salary up to £33,500, with enhanced terms.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above is required.
• Senior experience in an Early Years setting.
• Experience as Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, Room Leader or similar senior role.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Nursery Manager to lead day-to-day running of the setting.
• Provide visible and approachable leadership across the nursery.
• Support practitioners to deliver engaging, play-led learning experiences.
• Ensure children’s interests and development influence everyday practice.
• Maintain high standards across safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Support staff deployment and coach practitioners as needed.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted knowledge

Observation & planning

Communication

Safeguarding

Child development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Deputy Nursery Manager - Level 3

Up to £33,500 per year | 40 Hours per Week

Childhood should be full of opportunities to play, discover, experiment and experience something new. This nursery has built its approach around exactly that - providing child-centred care and education that helps children develop the skills and confidence they'll need for all the adventures still to come.

Learning is brought to life through play and meaningful experiences, giving children the freedom to follow their interests, develop independence and learn about the world around them in ways that feel natural and exciting.

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll help ensure this approach is reflected throughout the setting. Working alongside the Nursery Manager, you'll provide strong day-to-day leadership, support the practitioner team and maintain consistently high standards across care, education and safeguarding.

What We're Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
• Previous senior experience within an Early Years setting
• Experience as a Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, Room Leader or similar senior position
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development
• A good understanding of Ofsted requirements
• Confidence leading, supporting and motivating nursery practitioners
• A genuine commitment to child-centred and play-based learning
• Experience supporting high-quality observations, planning and assessment
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• The confidence to take responsibility for the nursery in the Manager's absence

What You'll Receive

• Salary up to £33,500
• Discounted childcare
• Annual leave increasing with service
• Your birthday off
• Funded training and development
• Opportunities for career progression
• Pension scheme

Helping to Lead the Nursery

• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the smooth day-to-day running of the setting
• Provide visible and approachable leadership across the nursery
• Support practitioners to deliver engaging, play-led learning experiences
• Ensure children's individual interests, needs and stages of development influence everyday practice
• Help create an environment where children can build confidence, independence and a positive attitude towards learning
• Maintain high standards across safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance
• Support staff deployment and ensure appropriate ratios are maintained
• Coach and develop practitioners, providing guidance and feedback when needed
• Support observations, assessments and planning across the nursery
• Build positive relationships with parents and families
• Step up to lead the setting confidently when the Nursery Manager is absent

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL261611/SM

INDCHI