Deputy Nursery Manager

Royal Hospital School; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary review

Professional development

School fee discount

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Refer a friend bonus

Health plan

EAP

Job summary

Royal Hospital School in Ipswich is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager to support the leadership of our nursery. You will work closely with the Nursery Manager to ensure a happy, safe and stimulating start to children's learning.

The role requires a Level 3 Childcare qualification, recent childcare experience and strong EYFS knowledge. We offer a permanent contract, an annual salary review, pension, staff development and a generous holiday entitlement.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare qualification in early years as a minimum.
• Recent experience in a childcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS 0-5 years curriculum.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day running of the nursery under the Nursery Manager.
• Assist with staff training, development and appraisals.
• Maintain accurate occupancy records and contribute to nursery planning.
• Ensure high-quality childcare and safeguarding practices.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Planning

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Education

Level 3 Childcare qualification

Job description

• Royal Hospital School
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2RX
• Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Hours: Full Time
• Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
• Reference: 5630

Set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the Stour Estuary and within an hour of London, Royal Hospital School (RHS) is a leading, co-educational boarding and day school providing a full and broad education, fit for the modern world.

In 2025, RHS entered an exciting new chapter as part of the Inspired Learning Group (ILG). This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver an exceptional education while preserving everything that makes RHS unique, our traditions, our character, and our community spirit.

We are currently looking to appoint a Deputy Nursery Manager to support the leadership of our nursery at Royal Hospital School.

Our newly opened nursery is based in its own purpose-designed space within the beautiful school grounds, providing a nurturing environment for our youngest pupils. We believe that for children to become successful learners, they need to feel happy, safe and secure in their everyday learning world.

The Royal Hospital School is a beacon of educational excellence. A co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, RHS provides a broad and balanced education within a distinctive and supportive environment.

Rooted in its rich naval heritage, RHS has evolved into a progressive and innovative school, equipping pupils with the skills, confidence and character needed to thrive in the 21st century.

As the Deputy Nursery Manager, you will help drive the progress and development of our Nursery. Working closely with the Nursery Manager, you’ll play a key role in giving our pupils a happy, confident start to their learning journey. Prior deputy experience is beneficial but not essential. You’ll support the day‑to‑day running of the nursery, so knowledge of financial processes, recruitment, and staff development would be an advantage.

We are looking for a fantastic deputy nursery manager who can:

• demonstrate excellent practice in delivering the Early Years curriculum
• promote the values of the Nursery for all staff, parents and children
• develop and maintain excellent working relationships with all staff
• assist with the maintenance of accurate records including occupancy to ensure growth and development
• assist with training and development of staff to fulfil their potential.

You should be passionate about all areas of children's learning.

You should demonstrate the following qualifications and experiences:

• Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare qualification in early years as a minimum
• Have recent experience within a childcare setting
• Great passion for child development and a good working knowledge of the EYFS 0-5 years curriculum
• Experience of working in a Senior EYP or Deputy Manager role
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted statutory guidance
• Knowledge of Child Protection and Safeguarding
• Knowledge and proven practical experience of implementing good quality learning opportunities
• Ability to deliver a high standard of childcare
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work productively with pupils, colleagues, parents and outside agencies
• Excellent planning, organisation and time management skills
• A good understanding for how a Nursery works
• Excellent communication skills and able to work effectively in a team

As well as joining an outstanding team of colleagues at Royal Hospital School as part of the Inspired Learning Group you will also benefit from:

• Annual salary review
• Professional development and training opportunities with the prospect of career and salary progression as our business grows
• School fee discount
• Annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays increasing with service
• Pension scheme
• Refer a friend scheme up to £750
• Health cash plan covering 10 healthcare benefits and services such as optical, dental, dental accident, chiropody, therapy treatments and health club concession. Access to Doctor line from anywhere in the world.
• Employee Assistance Programme

If you are an experienced Deputy Manager looking to take on a new and exciting opportunity or a Senior Practitioner for progression this could be the role for you.

For more information

For more information about the Royal Hospital School, please visit our website.

If you have any queries, please contact the HR Department by emailing [e-mail] or calling 01473 326200.

Closing date: 9am, 30 October 2026

Early application is encouraged, as applications will be considered as they are received. The organisation reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the date advertised. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, as applications are received.

Royal Hospital School is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.