Deputy Nursery Manager

Banana Moon Day Nurseries; Royal Tunbridge Wells; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Royal Tunbridge Wells is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager to play a pivotal role in fostering an engaging learning environment. Candidates should have a Level 3 qualification in early years and proven leadership experience. This position requires managing the nursery during the manager's absence, supporting staff development, and ensuring the highest standards of care and education. The role offers various benefits including professional development, discounted childcare, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Yearly Award Ceremony

Staff Meetings with Dinner

Smart Uniform

Continuous Professional Development

Discounted Childcare

On-site Free Parking

Holiday Entitlement

Pension Scheme

Employee of the Month

On-site Wellbeing Champion

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ post-qualifying experience in early years.
• Minimum 1 year’s management or senior leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Support operational management ensuring high-quality education and care.
• Maintain adherence to policies, legislation, and curriculum.
• Bidirectional communication with families to promote strong relationships.
• Meet highest inspection standards consistently.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Early years education

Decision-making

Education

Level 3 early years qualification

12-hour Paediatric First Aid certificate

DBS enhanced disclosure

Safeguarding training

Job description

Deputy Nursery Manager – Banana Moon Day Nursery, Tunbridge Wells

Rated ‘GOOD’ in our recent Ofsted inspection!

Be a Part of Something Extraordinary

Banana Moon Day Nursery in Tunbridge Wells is looking for an exceptional, enthusiastic, and motivational Deputy Nursery Manager to join our wonderful setting. This is a unique opportunity to help lead and shape a nurturing and stimulating environment where childhood is celebrated and learning flourishes through imaginative and engaging play.

We are seeking a full-time Deputy Manager and Room Leader, qualified to Level 3 or above, with a strong passion for early years and proven leadership experience.

Job Purpose

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager, Area Manager, and Director, taking an active leadership role within the team. You will act as Room Leader and assume full managerial responsibility in the Manager's absence. The role requires confidence in decision‑making, balancing the reputation and financial needs of the business with sensitivity to children and families.

As Deputy Manager, you will have at least one full day in the office completing managerial tasks.

Your mission is to ensure seamless operational management of the nursery, delivering a high‑quality, well‑balanced educational and caring environment at all times. You will embrace Banana Moon policies and procedures, consistently meet legislative requirements, and follow an enriching curriculum to achieve the highest possible inspection outcomes.

You will:

• Support the operational management of the nursery, ensuring high‑quality care and education.
• Maintain full adherence to Banana Moon policies, legislation, and curriculum.
• Ensure the nursery consistently meets the highest inspection standards.
• Have one allocated office day per week for managerial duties.
• Assist with training, mentoring, role‑modelling, and supervising the staff team inspiring and leading ambitious practice.
• Create a safe, caring, and welcoming environment where children flourish.
• Build strong, positive relationships with families and deliver excellent customer care.
• Support the nursery’s reputation and occupancy through community engagement.

• Act as a named coordinator within your area of expertise, , as designated by the Nursery Manager.

• Benefit from Banana Moon brand management training and ongoing professional development supported by our Quality & Improvement team.

What Makes This Role Special?

Inspiring Ambition

You will guide, support, and mentor passionate early years practitioners, creating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Enabling Environments

Help maintain a warm, nurturing setting where every child is encouraged to flourish through stimulating learning opportunities.

Community Engagement

Play a key role in strengthening our reputation, engaging with families, and supporting occupancy through exceptional customer care.

We are looking for applicants with:

• A full and relevant Level 3 early years qualification (as listed by the DfE).
• A DBS enhanced disclosure for the child workforce sector on the update service.
• A 12‑hour Paediatric First Aid certificate.
• Safeguarding training and qualification.
• Minimum 2 years’ post‑qualifying experience.
• Minimum 1 year’s management or senior leadership experience.

As part of the Banana Moon family, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits that support your wellbeing, development, and work–life balance:

• Yearly Award Ceremony – celebrating outstanding team contributions.
• Staff Meetings with Dinner – meaningful discussions over a shared meal.
• Smart Uniform – professional, stylish, and provided for you.
• Continuous Professional Development – grow your skills and knowledge.
• Discounted Childcare – priority care for your own little ones, so you can focus on your career.
• On‑site Free Parking – convenient and stress‑free.
• Holiday Entitlement – time to rest and recharge.
• Pension Scheme – supporting your long‑term financial wellbeing.
• Employee of the Month – Celebrating our team’s commitment and recognising the hard work of our team.
• On‑site Wellbeing Champion – supporting staff mental health
• Our own bespoke Banana Moon curriculum– our bespoke Early learning and Development programme is amazing and fully focuses on the children, parents and staff. Our ELDP has removed most of the paperwork so the staff team can focus on quality interactions and teaching with the children!

Join Us

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to become part of our exciting venture at Banana Moon Day Nursery Tunbridge Wells.

Apply now and help us continue to create something truly special while making a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families.