Deputy Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Christmas closure

Your birthday off

Pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Long service awards

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

Willingcare seeks a Deputy Nursery Manager – Level 3+ in Stratford-upon-Avon to work closely with the Nursery Manager, providing visible leadership across the setting and ensuring high standards of Early Years practice. The role is 38 hours per week with a salary up to £31,700 per year.

You’ll support staffing, maintain EYFS quality, safeguarding and Ofsted readiness, and help create a nurturing environment where children develop independence and a love of learning.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous senior Early Years experience – essential.
• Experience as Deputy Nursery Manager or similar senior position.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development.
• Good understanding of Ofsted requirements and Early Years best practice.
• Confidence leading, motivating and supporting practitioners.
• Experience maintaining high standards across a nursery environment.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to support staffing, deployment and ratios.
• A nurturing, approachable and hands-on leadership style.
• Strong communication skills with colleagues, children and families.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Nursery Manager to support the day-to-day running of the setting.
• Provide leadership and guidance to practitioners across the nursery.
• Help maintain consistently high standards of care and Early Years education.
• Support staff deployment, ratios and the organisation of the nursery day.
• Coach and mentor practitioners, encouraging strong practice across the team.
• Ensure the EYFS is embedded effectively throughout the setting.
• Help create experiences that encourage curiosity, independence and a love of learning.
• Utilise the nursery's newly refurbished indoor and outdoor environments.
• Maintain strong standards across safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance.
• Build positive relationships with parents and families.
• Support continuous improvement across the nursery.
• Take responsibility for the setting in the Nursery Manager's absence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff deployment

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Ofsted knowledge

Staff coaching

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

Job description

Job Description

Deputy Nursery Manager – Level 3+

Up to £31,700 per year | 38 Hours per Week

A newly refurbished nursery brings fresh energy to a setting – and this is an opportunity to help ensure the quality of the Early Years practice matches the environment around it.

With plenty of thoughtfully created indoor and outdoor spaces, the nursery provides a nurturing environment where children feel secure enough to explore, become more independent and develop a genuine love of learning. The focus is on making everyday experiences meaningful, giving children the encouragement and opportunities they need to develop at their own pace.

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you’ll work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the wider setting, providing visible leadership across the nursery while remaining connected to the children and practitioners.

What We’re Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
• Previous senior Early Years experience – essential
• Experience as a Deputy Nursery Manager, Third in Charge, Room Leader or similar senior position
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development
• Good understanding of Ofsted requirements and Early Years best practice
• Confidence leading, motivating and supporting practitioners
• Experience maintaining high standards across a nursery environment
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• The ability to support staffing, deployment and ratios
• A nurturing, approachable and hands-on leadership style
• Strong communication skills with colleagues, children and families

What You’ll Receive

• Salary up to £31,700
• 38 hours per week
• Discounted childcare
• Christmas closure
• Your birthday off
• Pension scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Long service awards
• Wellbeing programme

Supporting the Nursery

• Work alongside the Nursery Manager to support the successful day-to-day running of the setting
• Provide leadership and guidance to practitioners across the nursery
• Help maintain consistently high standards of care and Early Years education
• Support staff deployment, ratios and the organisation of the nursery day
• Coach and mentor practitioners, encouraging strong practice across the team
• Ensure the EYFS is embedded effectively throughout the setting
• Help create experiences that encourage curiosity, independence and a love of learning
• Make full use of the nursery's newly refurbished indoor and outdoor environments
• Maintain strong standards across safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance
• Build positive relationships with parents and families
• Support continuous improvement across the nursery
• 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: WILL261510/DB