Deputy Nursery Manager

UCM Education; London Borough of Wandsworth; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Funded training

CPD during hours

50% childcare discount

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Career progression

Staffing ratios

Job summary

UCM Recruitment in Wandsworth is seeking an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager to join a growing nursery group. This senior leadership role offers clear progression opportunities and a structured development pathway across London nurseries.

Salary starts at £40,000 with a 40-hour week and full-time pattern. The role focuses on strong leadership, safeguarding, EYFS delivery and driving continuous improvement within the setting.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will have strong Early Years experience, alongside previous leadership, supervisory or management experience within a nursery setting.
• You will have a thorough understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development, with the confidence to lead and develop a team whilst supporting the smooth operation of a busy nursery.
• You will be an organised, proactive and supportive leader who is keen to continue developing professionally and progress within a growing nursery group.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to the Early Years team.
• Support staff deployment and maintain appropriate ratios.
• Promote high standards of care, learning and EYFS practice.
• Support the delivery of a high-quality curriculum in line with the EYFS.
• Maintain safeguarding, health and safety and compliance standards.
• Support staff development through supervision and mentoring.
• Oversee the nursery in the Nursery Manager's absence.

Job description

We are recruiting for an experienced and ambitious Deputy Nursery Manager to join a growing nursery group in Wandsworth. This is an excellent opportunity for an established Early Years professional looking to step into a senior leadership position within a supportive organisation that offers clear opportunities for continued career progression.

Offering a salary from £40,000, this full-time position comes with an excellent benefits package, funded professional development and a structured progression pathway across the group's London nurseries.

You will be:

• Supporting the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery
• Providing strong leadership, guidance and support to the wider Early Years team
• Supporting staff deployment and maintaining appropriate ratios across the setting
• Promoting consistently high standards of care, learning and Early Years practice
• Supporting the delivery of a high-quality curriculum in line with the EYFS
• Maintaining strong safeguarding, health and safety and compliance standards
• Supporting staff development through supervision, mentoring and ongoing feedback
• Building positive and professional relationships with children, parents and families
• Supporting nursery administration, policies and operational procedures
• Working closely with the Nursery Manager to drive continuous improvement across the setting
• Stepping up to oversee the nursery confidently in the Nursery Manager's absence

The successful candidate will have strong Early Years experience, alongside previous leadership, supervisory or management experience within a nursery setting. You will have a thorough understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development, with the confidence to lead and develop a team whilst supporting the smooth operation of a busy nursery.

You will be an organised, proactive and supportive leader who is keen to continue developing professionally and progress within a growing nursery group.

Salary: From £40,000

Hours: 40 hours per week

Working pattern: Full-time

Benefits include:

• 28 days' holiday plus 3 additional paid training days
• Funded training and professional development
• CPD completed during working hours
• 50% childcare discount
• Pension scheme
• Mental health support and access to an online GP
• Clear career progression opportunities across the nursery group
• Generous staffing ratios

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.