Deputy Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £42,000 per year

Bonus scheme

Discounted childcare

Competitive annual leave

Enhanced parental leave

Pension scheme

Wellbeing programme

Training & development

Career progression in nursery管理

Job summary

Willingcare is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager in Maidstone to support the Nursery Manager in day-to-day leadership of the setting. You will mentor practitioners, uphold high standards, and ensure a nurturing environment for children and families.

The role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification and strong EYFS knowledge, with prior senior experience. A hands-on leadership style and effective communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Senior early years experience with Third in Charge level.
• Knowledge of EYFS framework and safeguarding.
• Experience mentoring nursery practitioners.
• Hands-on leadership and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running with the Nursery Manager.
• Lead by example and guide practitioners across the nursery.
• Coach and develop team to maintain high standards of early years practice.
• Support the delivery of an engaging curriculum that builds children’s confidence, independence and school readiness.
• Ensure children’s individual interests and developmental needs are reflected in learning experiences.
• Encourage practitioners to use indoor and outdoor environments.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Support staffing, routines and day-to-day organisation of the nursery.
• Maintain safeguarding, health and safety and EYFS standards.
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager when required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

EYFS knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Deputy Nursery Manager

Up to £42,000 per year | Full Time | All Year Round

The nursery has been thoughtfully designed around children's development, with engaging rooms that evolve with them as they grow and a strong focus on building the skills they'll need for a successful transition to school.

Outside, a large and varied garden extends children's learning beyond the nursery rooms. With a playground, mud kitchen, bikes and plenty of space for adventures, children are encouraged to get active, investigate their surroundings and learn through real experiences.

We're looking for an experienced early years leader to join as Deputy Nursery Manager, working alongside the Nursery Manager to support the team, maintain high standards and ensure the nursery continues to provide exceptional experiences for children and families.

What We're Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous senior early years experience is essential, with a minimum of Third in Charge experience.
• Deputy Nursery Manager experience would be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting, mentoring and developing nursery practitioners.
• Confidence monitoring standards and addressing areas for improvement.
• Strong communication, organisation and decision-making skills.
• A visible, hands-on approach to leadership.

What You'll Receive

• Up to £42,000 per year
• Bonus scheme
• Heavily discounted childcare
• Competitive annual leave package
• Enhanced parental leave
• Pension scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to continue developing your nursery management career

Your Role

• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the day-to-day running of the setting.
• Lead by example, providing guidance and support to practitioners across the nursery.
• Coach and develop team members, encouraging consistently high standards of early years practice.
• Support the delivery of an engaging curriculum that builds children's confidence, independence and school readiness.
• Ensure children's individual interests and developmental needs are reflected within their learning experiences.
• Encourage practitioners to make full use of the nursery's indoor and outdoor environments.
• Build strong and positive relationships with children and their families.
• Support staffing, routines and the smooth organisation of the nursery day.
• Maintain excellent safeguarding, health and safety and EYFS standards.
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager, confidently taking responsibility for the setting when required.

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: WILL252943/DB