Deputy Nursery Manager: Maternity Cover - Lead & Develop

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Hook; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £34k

Maternity cover contract

Discounted childcare

Birthday day off

Benefits portal

Staff incentives

Training & development

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking a Level 3 Deputy Nursery Manager for a maternity cover role at a Good Ofsted-rated nursery in Hook. The position demands leadership across day-to-day operations, safeguarding, and ensuring high-quality learning experiences for children, with a contract running for 12 months.

The role emphasizes supporting the Nursery Manager, developing the team, and maintaining safe, inclusive learning environments using rich resources and free-flow spaces.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Deputy Nursery Manager is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience supporting nursery teams and maintaining high-quality practice.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A proactive, positive approach to supporting children, families, and colleagues.
• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding early years education and care.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the nursery team to maintain consistently high standards.
• Monitor the quality of care, education, and learning experiences across the setting.
• Support staff through coaching, mentoring, and regular supervision.
• Build strong relationships with children, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
• Help maintain safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environments, making full use of the nursery's sensory resources and free-flow spaces.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies are consistently followed.
• Take responsibility for the nursery in the Manager's absence.

Skills

Deputy Nursery Manager experience

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Ofsted requirements

Team leadership

Communication

Organisation

Interpersonal skills

Passion for early years

Job description

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking a Level 3 Deputy Nursery Manager for a maternity cover role at a Good Ofsted-rated nursery in Hook. The position demands leadership across day-to-day operations, safeguarding, and ensuring high-quality learning experiences for children, with a contract running for 12 months.

The role emphasizes supporting the Nursery Manager, developing the team, and maintaining safe, inclusive learning environments using rich resources and free-flow spaces.