Deputy Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Slough; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Willingcare in Slough is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager (Level 3) to join a Good Ofsted setting. You will work alongside the Nursery Manager to lead the team, oversee planning and assessments, and ensure high standards of care and early years education.

The role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification, a minimum of 3 years’ EYFS experience, and proven senior nursery experience. You will promote safe practice, staff deployment and strong communication across the setting.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership capability with a hands-on approach.
• Deep knowledge of EYFS requirements and safeguarding.
• Experience planning, observing and assessing children.
• Ability to motivate and support practitioners across the setting.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager to lead day-to-day operations across rooms.
• Provide visible leadership and guidance to the team.
• Develop Room Leaders and Nursery Practitioners while maintaining high standards.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and nursery procedures are followed.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS

Safeguarding

Observations

Staff deployment

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Deputy Nursery Manager – Level 3

Up to £32,000 per year | Full Time | Good Ofsted

A strong Deputy Nursery Manager brings energy to the floor, supports the team and helps make sure high standards are consistent across every room.

This welcoming Early Years setting is dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and education in line with the EYFS. Rated Good by Ofsted, the nursery benefits from a large outdoor learning environment, giving children daily opportunities to explore, investigate, get active and learn through first-hand experiences.

We’re looking for an experienced Level 3 Early Years professional who can work alongside the Nursery Manager to lead the team, maintain quality and bring a positive, energetic presence to everyday nursery life.

What We’re Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
• Minimum of 3 years’ Early Years experience
• Previous experience in a senior nursery position, such as Deputy Manager, Third in Charge or Room Leader
• Strong working knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements
• Confidence leading, motivating and supporting practitioners
• Experience overseeing planning, observations and assessment
• Confidence managing staff deployment and maintaining ratios
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• A positive, energetic and hands‑on leadership style
• A genuine commitment to maintaining high standards of care and education

Supporting the Nursery Manager

• Assist with the smooth day‑to‑day running of the nursery
• Provide visible leadership and guidance across the setting
• Support and develop Room Leaders and Nursery Practitioners
• Maintain consistently high standards of Early Years practice
• Oversee staffing, deployment and ratios
• Monitor planning, observations and children's development
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and nursery procedures are followed
• Encourage practitioners to make full use of the large outdoor learning environment
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Support continued improvement and help maintain the nursery’s Good Ofsted standards
• Take responsibility for the setting in the Nursery Manager's absence

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: WILL263527/ST