Deputy Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Norwood; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Birthday off

Enhanced parental leave

Discounted childcare

Health and wellbeing programme

Pension scheme

Benefits portal

Training and development

Career progression

Newly refurbished nursery

Job summary

Willingcare is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager to join a newly refurbished nursery in the United Kingdom as it reopens. The role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification and senior EY experience to support the Nursery Manager in delivering high-quality care and education.

You will lead the EYFS implementation, mentor staff, maintain safeguarding, and ensure appropriate staff deployment. This is a senior, hands-on leadership position offering growth opportunities within a reopening setting.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above is required.
• Senior-level experience in an Early Years setting is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework is expected.
• Excellent safeguarding and child protection understanding is needed.
• Confident in leading, motivating and supporting an EY team.
• Ability to maintain high standards of care, education and nursery practice.
• Good organisational and problem-solving skills are important.
• Proactive approach and enthusiasm for reopening after refurbishment.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to support daily operations.
• Provide visible leadership and practical support across the nursery.
• Help bring the team together and establish consistent expectations post-reopen.
• Lead, mentor and motivate practitioners to deliver high-quality EY practice.
• Support the effective implementation of the EYFS across the setting.
• Assist staff deployment and maintain appropriate ratios.
• Monitor standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Build positive relationships with parents and carers.
• Support ongoing staff learning and development.
• Step into Nursery Manager responsibilities when required.
• Maintain safeguarding, welfare, compliance and health standards.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Safeguarding

EYFS knowledge

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Deputy Nursery Manager

Up to £33,900 per year | 40 Hours per Week

Following a programme of refurbishment, this nursery is preparing to reopen very soon, offering the opportunity for an experienced Early Years professional to become part of the setting at an important stage in its journey. Inside, the nursery benefits from bright, spacious learning environments and large playrooms, while outside, an extensive garden gives children plenty of room for active play, exploration and outdoor learning.

We’re looking for a Level 3 Deputy Nursery Manager with previous senior-level Early Years experience who can work alongside the Nursery Manager to bring the team together, establish consistently high standards and help make the reopening a success.

The Experience We’re Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous senior-level experience within an Early Years setting is essential, ideally as a Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, Room Leader or similar.
• Strong knowledge and practical understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding and child protection requirements.
• Confidence leading, motivating and supporting an Early Years team.
• Ability to maintain high standards of care, education and nursery practice.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Confidence supporting staff development and providing constructive guidance.
• A proactive approach and enthusiasm for being part of a nursery as it reopens following refurbishment.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive annual leave package
• Your birthday off
• Enhanced parental leave
• Discounted childcare
• Health and wellbeing programme
• Pension scheme
• Benefits and discounts portal
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunities for continued career progression
• The chance to join a newly refurbished nursery at an exciting point in its development

Help Shape the Nursery’s Next Chapter

• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the successful day-to-day running of the setting.
• Provide visible leadership and practical support across the nursery.
• Help bring the team together and establish consistent expectations following the reopening.
• Lead, mentor and motivate practitioners to deliver high-quality Early Years practice.
• Support the effective implementation of the EYFS throughout the setting.
• Support staff deployment and ensure appropriate ratios are maintained.
• Monitor standards and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
• Build positive and professional relationships with parents and carers.
• Support practitioners with their ongoing learning and development.
• Step into the Nursery Manager’s responsibilities when required.
• Maintain excellent standards of safeguarding, welfare, compliance and health

and safety.

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: WILL255809/AZ