Deputy Nursery Manager

Deputy Nursery Manager; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Sparks Nursery in Ipswich is seeking a confident Deputy Nursery Manager to help lead the team and uphold excellent EYFS practice. You will support daily operations and contribute to a warm, nurturing environment for children and families.

The role requires a minimum Level 3 childcare qualification, with Level 6 preferred, and supervisory experience. Salary is £13.80 per hour, permanent contract, with a start date as soon as possible.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 childcare qualification, level 6 preferred.
• Experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner or in a supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and safeguarding.
• A SENCO qualification is preferred but not essential.
• A childcare/early years degree is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the team to ensure safe, smooth daily operations.
• Uphold excellent EYFS practice and safeguarding standards.
• Support daily operations and contribute to a nurturing environment for children and families.
• Collaborate with the Nursery Manager to maintain high-quality care and learning.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Supervisory experience

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Level 6 qualification preferred

Childcare/early years degree advantageous

SENCO qualification preferred

Job description

• Bright Sparks Nursery
• Address:Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 9TH
• Salary:£13.80 per hour
• Hours:8 hours per day with a 30-minute unpaid lunch,Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays
• Contract:Permanent, required as soon as possible
• Reference:0977

Bright Sparks Nursery is a welcoming, community‑focused early years setting committed to providing high‑quality care and learning.

We are looking for a caring, confident Deputy Nursery Manager to support the Nursery Manager in the smooth, safe and effective running of the nursery.

About the role

You will help lead the team, uphold excellent EYFS practice, support daily operations, and contribute to a positive, nurturing environment for children and families.

Requirements

• Minimum Level 3 childcare qualification, level 6 preferred.
• Experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner or in a supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and safeguarding.
• A SENCO qualification is preferred but not essential.
• A childcare/early years degree is an advantage.

Closing date:1.00 pm, 11 November 2026.

All applicants must have due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and this will be assessed as part of the recruitment and selection process. If you are successful, you will be required to comply with the nursery’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

An Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required.