Deputy Nursery Manager

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Long service awards

Day off for your birthday

Training and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager / Pre-School Room Leader for a warm, home-from-home nursery environment in the UK. The role commands a salary of £32,600 per annum and requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification with substantial EY experience to lead a team and ensure school readiness.

The successful candidate will plan engaging activities, support day-to-day operations, and mentor staff while upholding safeguarding and high-quality early years education.

Qualifications

• Must hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above (essential).
• Experience in senior EY roles such as Room Leader/Deputy Nursery Manager (essential).
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Pre-School team, maintaining high standards of care and education.
• Support the Nursery Manager with daily operations and leadership responsibilities.
• Plan engaging, play-based activities in line with the EYFS.
• Encourage children's confidence, independence and school readiness.
• Make the most of indoor and outdoor spaces to create exciting learning opportunities.
• Mentor practitioners and support their professional development.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and nursery practice.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

Job description

Deputy Nursery Manager / Pre-School Room Leader – Level 3

£32,600 per Annum | Shifts Between 8:00am–6:00pm

This is a lovely opportunity for an experienced Early Years professional to take on a senior role within a warm, welcoming nursery that offers children a genuine home-from-home environment.

With plenty of space to play, explore and grow in confidence, the nursery encourages children to follow their interests and develop new skills through play. Outdoor learning is a big part of nursery life, with engaging experiences both indoors and outside helping children build independence, curiosity and a love of learning.

We're looking for a confident Deputy Nursery Manager / Pre-School Room Leader who can inspire practitioners, support the nursery's leadership team and help prepare children for their next exciting step into school.

What We're Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above – essential
• Previous senior Early Years experience as a Room Leader, Third in Charge, Deputy Nursery Manager or similar – essential
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development
• Experience leading and supporting a team of practitioners
• Confidence planning engaging activities that support pre-school children's learning and school readiness
• A passion for child-led learning and outdoor exploration
• Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills

What's On Offer

• Discounted childcare
• Long service awards
• Day off for your birthday
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Pre-School team, maintaining high standards of care and education
• Support the Nursery Manager with daily operations and leadership responsibilities
• Plan engaging, play-based activities in line with the EYFS
• Encourage children's confidence, independence and school readiness
• Make the most of indoor and outdoor spaces to create exciting learning opportunities
• Mentor practitioners and support their professional development
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and nursery practice

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: WILL264886/IG

INDCHI