Deputy Nursery Manager (Pathway to Full Nursery Manager)

Banana Moon Day Nurseries; Croydon; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Croydon is seeking a motivated individual to join their management team. This position offers a unique opportunity for childcare practitioners with at least three years of experience to grow into leadership roles. The successful candidate will receive tailored coaching and mentorship to transition into a full Nursery Manager role. Competitive salary of £35,000 with additional career incentives and wellbeing support available.

Benefits

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to a 24/7 employee assistance program

Fully funded Level 5 Leadership qualification upon promotion

Qualifications

• At least three years of childcare experience with progression towards leadership.
• Proven track record in delivering high-quality childcare.
• Minimum one year in a leadership capacity.

Responsibilities

• Assume managerial duties while receiving tailored coaching.
• Participate in operational, pedagogical, and business management training.

Skills

Progression-Oriented Mindset

Resilience Under Pressure

Innovative Problem-Solving

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Banana Moon Croydon offers a pioneering position designed for childcare practitioners who have begun to explore leadership through roles such as Room Leader, Third in Charge, or Assistant Manager. Unlike traditional managerial recruitment, this role emphasises a growth mindset over prior management tenure, focusing on candidates who demonstrate the drive to advance their careers through continuous learning and adaptability.

Recognising the potential in emerging talent, we seek a motivated individual with at least three years of childcare experience who has consistently progressed toward leadership roles.

The successful applicant will work in the management team and gradually assume managerial duties while receiving tailored coaching in operational, pedagogical, and business management domains.

This bespoke role offers a structured six-month development pathway. It combines hands-on mentorship, franchise-led training, and incremental responsibilities to prepare the successful candidate with the skills to transition into a full Nursery Manager position.

• Level 3 Early Years Qualification per the Department of Education’s approved list, with a proven track record in delivering high-quality childcare.

• Minimum three years’ post-qualification experience, including at least one year in a leadership capacity (e.g., Room Leader, Deputy, or Third in Charge roles).
• Progression-Oriented Mindset: Demonstrated through voluntary uptake of training, mentorship of junior staff, or initiatives to improve practice in previous roles.
• Resilience Under Pressure: Ability to balance operational demands (e.g., Ofsted compliance, parent inquiries) with strategic development goals.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Examples might include redesigning learning environments for enhanced engagement or implementing behaviour management strategies that reduce staff turnover.

• Salary: £35,000 starting salary, reviewed upon promotion with a performance-linked increase.
• Annual Leave: 20 days plus bank holidays, increasing by one day per year of service up to 25 days.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to a 24/7 employee assistance program, including in-house support.
• Career Incentives: Fully funded Level 5 Leadership qualification upon successful promotion.