Deputy Nursery Manager & Room Leader dual role BICKNACRE

Shorefields; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider seeks a Deputy Nursery Manager & Room Leader to inspire and manage operations at their Bicknacre Nursery. The role requires a Level 3 qualification and management experience, focusing on outstanding childcare and education standards. Join a supportive environment that values training and development while promoting a hybrid approach to learning.

Benefits

Extra annual leave bonuses

Long service rewards

Referral programme

Upskilling, training & mentoring

Heavily discounted childcare

Qualifications

• Experience in management and childcare required.
• Ability to inspire and motivate staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of outstanding childcare and education.
• Support Nursery Manager and manage day-to-day operations.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Skills

Leadership

Motivation

Organization

Safeguarding

Communication

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Deputy Nursery Manager & Room Leader dual role BICKNACRE

Position Start Date: Immediate | Contract Type: Full-time | Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 12/08/2025 | Date of Interviews: TBC

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and highly organized individual to support and inspire our Bicknacre Nursery in the CM3 area. Your role will encompass both Deputy Manager and Room Leader responsibilities. You will provide outstanding childcare, education, safeguarding, and wellbeing, acting as a role model to elevate our teaching practices, curriculum, and ambitions across the service. Our focus is on promoting Jesters' Ofsted Outstanding standards and a hybrid ethos of Curiosity, Hygge, Loose Parts, Forest-Led, and Montessori-inspired play and learning.

"Everything is possible, even the impossible." - Mary Poppins

Minimum requirements: Level 3 childcare qualification and management experience.

At Jesters, we strive to offer the very best service and to be an exemplar of learning through play, making us the 'go-to' place for exceptional childcare. We seek passionate individuals with stamina who can excite and inspire us.

We are an aspirational childcare provider, committed to 'building futures' not only for children but also for our dedicated staff...

We offer attractive incentives including:

• Extra annual leave bonuses
• Long service rewards
• Referral programme
• Upskilling, training & mentoring
• Heavily discounted childcare
• A warm, supportive 'Jesters Family' environment

Job overview: The Deputy Manager will oversee the delivery of outstanding childcare, education, and wellbeing. The role involves managing day-to-day operations, supporting the Nursery Manager, and acting as a role model to elevate teaching practices. The goal is to achieve the highest standards aligned with Jesters' ethos: Curiosity, Hygge, Forest School, and Montessori-inspired learning, delivering excellent outcomes against strategic priorities.

The Deputy Manager supports the Nursery Manager and will be responsible for all aspects of service delivery, deputizing in their absence.

Key accountabilities:

• Support the Nursery Manager to ensure outstanding and inspirational childcare and education, leading the service towards best practice.
• Prioritize safeguarding in all practices.
• Maintain exemplary parental engagement and partnerships with families.
• Ensure high standards of H&S, hygiene, and infection control.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, including GDPR.
• Mentor and coach staff to reach their full potential, supporting the promotion of Jesters' vision, ethos, and values.
• Meet statutory obligations for learning, development, and wellbeing.
• Stay informed on current trends in early years and playwork sectors, recommending updates to policies and practices.
• Advocate for Jesters and promote equality and diversity in childcare and education.

"There's nowhere to go but up." - Mary Poppins

Careers soar at Jesters - spread your wings today!

About the School

Our Vision – Building futures for the next generation

With four established Early Years settings in Beaulieu, Bicknacre, and Danbury, Jesters is dedicated to helping every child flourish through holistic childcare for ages 0-12. We are committed to learning through play, fun, and unique experiences, guided by international pedagogy to ensure every day is fulfilling.

Our Hybrid Approach combines the best practices from respected childcare methods worldwide, supporting our vision of innovative, fluid, and effective education.

As a Social Enterprise and CIC, Jesters prioritizes children and families, aiming to improve community well-being while maintaining a sustainable business.

We are expanding our team across all settings as our dynamic business continues to grow.

"Here at Jesters, we strive to offer the very best service and to be an exemplar place of learning through play. We only recruit passionate, energetic individuals."

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks to safeguard children and young people, including appropriate clearances.

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