Deputy Nursery Manager

Wootton Park School; Northampton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Coaching and professional development

Career progression opportunities

LGPS

Employee wellbeing support

IT support

Job summary

Wootton Park Nursery, part of Wootton Park School, is opening a new setting for children aged 2-4 and seeks a Deputy Nursery Manager to help establish high-quality care and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

You will lead in the classroom, support the Head of Nursery, and work 37 hours per week from 8.00am to 6.00pm, across a 51-week year, with opportunities for professional development and career progression within our growing Trust.

Qualifications

• GCSEs at 4-9 (A*-C) including English and Maths.
• Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience in a nursery or early years setting.
• Understanding of child development and wellbeing.
• Able to support learning and emotional needs; team player.

Responsibilities

• Lead in the classroom and support the Head of Nursery.
• Provide high-quality care and learning experiences for 2-4 year olds.
• Support children's learning, social development and emotional wellbeing.
• Contribute to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment.

Skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Child development knowledge

Safeguarding awareness

Education

GCSEs 4-9 including English and Maths

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

We are seeking to appoint enthusiastic, caring and highly motivated Deputy Nursery Manager to join our brand-new nursery opening in January 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new setting from the very beginning, helping to create a nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Working alongside a team of dedicated early years professionals, you will play a key role in supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing, helping them to make excellent progress and build strong foundations for future success.

The Role

As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you will support children aged 2-4 years across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. You will take a lead in the classroom and support the Head of Nursery. You will provide high-quality care and learning experiences while meeting the individual learning, social and emotional needs of each child.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, on a rota basis covering the nursery opening hours of 8.00am to 6.00pm.

About Us

Wootton Park Nursery will provide high-quality early years education and care for children aged 2-4 years, helping them develop confidence, communication skills and a love of learning.

The nursery will be open 51 weeks per year, Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm, offering flexible and reliable childcare for local families.

As part of Wootton Park School, the nursery will benefit from established leadership, strong safeguarding systems and recognised early years expertise. Wootton Park School has been designated by the Department for Education as a RISE Reception Network Lead School for the East Midlands, reflecting its sustained strengths in early years provision and leadership.

This means our nursery will be part of a school community with proven expertise in supporting children's learning, development and successful transition into Reception.

What We Can Offer

• A rewarding environment where children can learn, grow and flourish.
• A supportive programme of professional development through a coaching model.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression as our Trust continues to grow.
• An exciting, friendly and supportive working environment.
• Employee Assistance Programme to support staff wellbeing.
• Reprographics and IT support.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will have:

• At least 5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 (A*-C), including English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications.
• At least a relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience).
• Experience of working within a nursery or early years setting.
• A sound understanding of child development and the varying needs of young children.
• The ability to support children's learning, social development and emotional wellbeing.
• A positive, flexible and enthusiastic approach to working as part of a team.

If you are passionate about making a difference in children's lives and would like to be part of an exciting new chapter for Wootton Park Nursery,

Our Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

In accordance with our statutory obligations under Keeping Children Safe in Education, Wootton Park Academy Trust is required to conduct an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates and offer of a position is subject to receiving satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Please note we do not accept CVs and references will be applied for at the shortlisting stage.

We maintain the right to close the application process early or later if necessary.

Closing Date: Monday 5th October 2026, 12noon

Interview Date: W/B 5th October 2026

Candidates should be available to interview in person

We are holding a recruitment event on Saturday 26th September 2026 at 10am and would like to welcome all applicants interested in joining our new nursery.

Further information is available on our website/Social media pages where you can book a space. We look forward to meeting you.