Deputy Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Ongoing training and development

Annual leave increases with service

Discounted childcare

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Willingcare is recruiting a Deputy Nursery Manager for a Good Ofsted‑rated nursery in Southampton. You will support the Nursery Manager, lead your room, and safeguard high standards of care, learning, and wellbeing for every child, while mentoring practitioners and maintaining strong relationships with families.

The role is a 40-hour permanent contract with ongoing training, annual leave aligned to service, pension, discounted childcare, and wellbeing support.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent)
• Senior early years experience
• Experience as Deputy Nursery Manager or senior roles like Room Leader/Third in Charge
• Strong knowledge of EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Positive, supportive approach to developing children and colleagues

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with day-to-day running of the nursery
• Lead your room, ensuring high standards of care, learning and wellbeing
• Mentor and support practitioners within the nursery
• Carry out office-based duties including administration and staff support
• Ensure compliance with EYFS, safeguarding legislation and nursery policies
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Observe and monitor practice quality and support continuous improvement
• Step in for the Manager when required

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Deputy Nursery Manager

£32,600 per year

Take the next step into a leadership role where you can continue working directly with children while helping to shape the success of a thriving nursery.

This Good Ofsted-rated nursery is looking for an experienced Level 3 Deputy Nursery Manager to support the Nursery Manager in leading a dedicated team and maintaining exceptional standards of care and education. This is a room-based position with dedicated office time, giving you the opportunity to combine hands-on practice with leadership and operational responsibilities.

The nursery offers bright, spacious learning environments, cosy areas where children feel safe and secure, and a beautiful outdoor garden that encourages exploration, creativity, and a love of learning. It's a welcoming setting where both children and practitioners are supported to grow and flourish.

What We’re Looking For

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
• Previous experience in a senior early years role.
• Experience as a Deputy Nursery Manager is desirable; experienced Room Leaders or Third in Charge candidates looking to progress are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A positive, supportive approach with a genuine passion for developing both children and colleagues.

Benefits

• £32,600 per year
• 40-hour permanent contract
• Long service awards
• Pension scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Annual leave that increases with length of service
• Discounted childcare
• Staff incentives and recognition schemes
• Wellbeing support and employee wellbeing programme

Deputy Nursery Manager Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead your room, ensuring exceptional standards of care, learning, and wellbeing.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and support to practitioners within the nursery.
• Complete a range of office-based duties, including administration, staff support, and operational tasks.
• Ensure compliance with the EYFS framework, safeguarding legislation, and nursery policies.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Observe and monitor the quality of practice, supporting continuous improvement throughout the nursery.
• Take responsibility for the nursery in the Manager's absence when required.

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: WILL236720/DB