Deputy Nursery Manager

Best Start Recruitment; Penrith; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free breakfast, lunch & snacks

KP Academy training and bespoke平台

Enhanced family leave

Wellbeing goodies and staff events

Long service awards

Birthday day off

Competitive salary and pension

Exclusive Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme

Job summary

Best Start Recruitment is seeking a Nursery Deputy Manager for a beautiful, newly refurbished setting in Penrith. You’ll oversee daily operations, ensure EYFS-aligned care, and lead a dedicated nursery team while fostering strong family relationships and Ofsted readiness.

The role calls for Level 3 early years qualifications, safeguarding expertise, and senior leadership experience with a commitment to staff development and inclusive practice.

Qualifications

• Must be Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.
• GCSE Maths (or equivalent) to be gained within 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Help manage day-to-day running of the nursery and ensure high-quality care and education.
• Lead, mentor and support the nursery team to maintain a positive culture.
• Build trusting relationships with families and external agencies.
• Ensure readiness for Ofsted inspections and adherence to policies.

Skills

Leadership

Early years education

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification (UK)

GCSE Maths or equivalent

Job description

We're now looking for a Nursery Deputy Manager to join a team, someone who's ready to get stuck in, spark imaginations, and help children thrive.

For a beautiful newly refurbished setting in Penrith.

Why this nursery?

Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26

Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women 2025

Crowned NMT's Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running

80% Childcare Discount - T&Cs apply

What we'll offer our Nursery Deputy Manager:

• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!
• Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.
• Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.
• Take the day off on your birthday, it's all about you!
• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Friendly central support team always on hand to help.
• An exclusive Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme to reward your leadership and impact.

How you’ll make a difference as a Deputy Manager:

By helping with managing the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and the nursery's policies and procedures.

Through leading, mentoring, and supporting the nursery team, promoting a positive, collaborative, and professional culture while ensuring staff development and performance are maintained to a high standard.

By building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with families and external agencies, supporting each child’s development and wellbeing, and ensuring the nursery is always prepared for Ofsted inspections.

Requirements of a Nursery Deputy Manager:

Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.

Excellent understanding of EYFS.

Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.

Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.

In line with legal regulations, you must hold a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths or gain it within 2 years of starting.

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

We look forward to receiving your application!

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners as an Early Years Educator!