Deputy Nursery Manager

Lumina Energy; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization within the education sector is looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager to oversee operations at their Maidstone nursery. This role involves significant leadership responsibilities, supporting staff development, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding practices. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping a high-quality early years environment reflective of early years best practices, while enjoying competitive salary and various benefits, including personal and professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

Life assurance cover (4x salary)

Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution

Retail and gym discounts

Health cash plan

Cycle to work scheme

Volunteer days

Comprehensive wellbeing programme

Tailored learning and development support

Training days (2 per year)

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years is essential.
• Pediatric first aid, safeguarding, and leadership training are highly desirable.
• Significant post-qualification experience working with children, including supervisory or line management roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage nursery operations with strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, staffing.
• Promote a culture of safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practice.
• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning, using effective monitoring systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Management

Child Development

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years

Job description

Location: Discovery Day Nursery, Maidstone

Salary/package: £27,642 to £33,098 pro rata

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, Term-time only

This role is based on 37 hours a week, working between the hours of 08:00am and 17:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Join a passionate, purpose-driven team committed to shaping young lives and delivering outstanding early years education. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role as Deputy Nursery Manager with The Education People, where your expertise and initiative will make a real impact in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Who we are

The Education People is a leading provider of specialist services to the education sector, supporting schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts with expert advice and training. As part of Commercial Services Group (CSG), we operate within the UK’s largest local authority trading company, helping to deliver essential services that make a real difference.

Why this role matters

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will play a vital leadership role within our setting. As a key member of the management team, you will support the Nursery Manager in overseeing daily operations and take full responsibility in their absence. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a culture of curiosity, lifelong learning, and high-quality early years practice. You will lead and support staff development, model outstanding care and education, and act as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, making a real difference in the lives of children, families, and the wider nursery team.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and manage nursery operations with strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding, staffing, financial oversight, and customer service.
• Be the named SENCO and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the setting.
• Promote a culture of safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practice, ensuring all staff are fully trained and compliant with policies and procedures.
• Inspire and support a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, reflective, and continuously improving work environment through coaching, mentoring, and role modelling.
• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning, using effective monitoring systems to track children’s development and close attainment gaps.
• Build strong partnerships with families and professionals, championing parental involvement and positive communication across all levels.
• Commit to ongoing professional development, contributing to a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking nursery setting.

What we’re looking for

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years is essential.
• Pediatric first aid, safeguarding, and leadership training are highly desirable.
• Significant post-qualification experience working with children, including supervisory or line management roles.
• Proven experience in delivering the EYFS 0–5 curriculum, with strong pedagogical leadership and a track record in high-quality, inclusive early education.
• Demonstrated success in working with families to enhance involvement in children’s learning and development.
• Strong skills in leading teams and driving continuous improvement, with experience in influencing change and maintaining high standards.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, including effective engagement with children, parents, professionals, and multi-agency teams.
• In-depth knowledge of early years development, child safeguarding, and regulatory frameworks within the PVI sector.

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of £27,642 to £33,098 pro rata
• Life assurance cover (4x salary)
• Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution
• Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme
• Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme
• Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress
• 2 training days per year

Why CSG?

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions.

We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies.

CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.