Deputy Nursery Manager

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Romsey; Remote; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Discounted childcare

Team incentives

Tailored training opportunities

Wellbeing programme

Competitive annual leave

Employee benefits portal

Long service awards

Company pension scheme

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager for an all-year-round Early Years setting in Romsey. The role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification and prior experience as Third in Charge or Deputy Nursery Manager, with strong EYFS and Ofsted knowledge.

You will support the Nursery Manager, lead a team, oversee room standards and drive continued development while ensuring safeguarding and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (essential).
• Experience as Third in Charge, Deputy Nursery Manager or Nursery Manager (essential).
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and child development.
• Excellent understanding of Ofsted requirements, nursery compliance and safeguarding procedures.
• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing nursery teams.
• Confidence in supporting staffing, recruitment, occupancy and daily nursery operations.
• Experience overseeing room standards, planning and children's developmental progress.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the setting with Nursery Manager.
• Deputise for Nursery Manager in their absence.
• Lead, motivate and support practitioners to foster a collaborative team.
• Maintain high standards of care, education and learning in line with EYFS.
• Support children's confidence, independence and development through child-led activities.
• Oversee room standards, observations, assessments and quality of teaching.
• Help manage staffing, rotas, recruitment and team development.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and Ofsted compliance.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Ofsted compliance

Leadership

Staffing and rotas

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Deputy Nursery Manager – Level 3+

£32,000–£42,000 per Annum + Bonus Scheme | 40 Hours per Week | All Year Round

Good Ofsted Rating | Modern Purpose-Built Nursery | Excellent Benefits

We're looking for an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager to join a fantastic Early Years setting that combines modern facilities with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The nursery is purpose-built, beautifully bright and rated Good by Ofsted, with spacious, age-specific rooms that have been carefully designed to meet children's changing needs as they grow. Every area encourages curiosity, creativity and independence.

There's just as much to discover outdoors! With generous outdoor spaces, a mud kitchen, sandpit and dedicated play areas, children have endless opportunities to get creative, enjoy messy play and build confidence through exciting outdoor adventures.

We're looking for a confident, enthusiastic Early Years professional with previous experience as a Third in Charge, Deputy Nursery Manager or above, who is ready to take on a key leadership role. You'll work closely with the Nursery Manager to inspire the team, support the nursery's continued development and maintain excellent standards.

What We're Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above – essential
• Previous experience as a Third in Charge, Deputy Nursery Manager or Nursery Manager – essential
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development
• Excellent understanding of Ofsted requirements, nursery compliance and safeguarding procedures
• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing nursery teams
• Confidence supporting staffing, recruitment, occupancy and daily nursery operations
• Experience overseeing room standards, planning and children's developmental progress
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills
• A proactive, hands-on leadership approach with the confidence to deputise for the Nursery Manager

What's On Offer

• £32,000–£42,000 per annum
• Bonus scheme
• Discounted childcare
• Team incentives
• Tailored and personalised training opportunities
• Wellbeing programme
• Competitive annual leave scheme
• Employee benefits portal
• Long service awards
• Company pension scheme

Supporting the Nursery's Success

• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of the setting
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager in their absence, ensuring the nursery continues to operate smoothly
• Lead, motivate and support practitioners, promoting a positive and collaborative team environment
• Maintain high standards of care, education and learning in line with the EYFS
• Support children's confidence, independence and development through engaging, child-led activities
• Oversee room standards, observations, assessments and the quality of teaching across the nursery
• Help manage staffing, rotas, recruitment and the professional development of the team
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and Ofsted compliance
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and external professionals
• Support quality assurance, nursery improvement plans and the continued development of the setting

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: WILL271740/JG

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