Experienced Early Years Deputy Manager for Daycare nursery

ZR Wonderland Nursery ltd.; Barnsley; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery organization in Barnsley is seeking an experienced Nursery Deputy Manager to oversee nursery operations and lead a team of practitioners. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, proven leadership experience, and strong communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including holiday leave and funded professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25% discount on childcare fees

Paid lunch breaks

Employer contributions to Pension scheme

Funded CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in a nursery leadership/managerial role.
• Proven track record of successful Ofsted inspections.
• Strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, and EYFS.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, inspire and motivate a team.
• Manage nursery budgets, invoicing, and occupancy targets.
• Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections.

Skills

Childcare management skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

Level 3 or above in Childcare/Early Years Education

Paediatric First Aid

Safeguarding Level 2 or higher

Food Hygiene Level 2

Health & Safety training

Job description

Overview

WANTED: Super-Star Nursery Deputy Manager!

Rate - £13.50 per hour

Are you a childcare champion with a heart full of glitter, a head full of ideas, and the leadership skills to run a nursery like a dream? If you know your EYFS from your elbow and can turn a rainy Tuesday into a magical adventure, we want you to be our next Nursery Deputy Manager!

About Wonderland Nursery

Wonderland Nursery is a lively, loving nursery. We are well-established in the town of Cudworth, with children aged 0–5 visiting our setting where they are free to explore, grow, and thrive. Our team is passionate in creating a safe and thriving setting for our little ones to discover their world, one step at a time.

Responsibilities

• You’ll be the co-captain of our ship, working alongside the manager and provider to steer the nursery through the wonderful world of early years with confidence, creativity, and care.
• Lead, mentor, inspire and motivate a team of early years practitioners and auxiliary staff.
• Conduct regular supervisions, appraisals, and team meetings.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
• Manage staff rotas, recruitment, and onboarding.
• Oversee planning and delivery of the EYFS curriculum.
• Ensure activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive.
• Monitor children’s progress and support key workers with assessments.
• Champion SEN inclusion and work closely with external agencies.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Ensure all policies and procedures are up to date and followed.
• Maintain health & safety standards and risk assessments.
• Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections with confidence.
• Manage nursery budgets, invoicing, and occupancy targets.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the wider community.
• Promote the nursery through marketing and local engagement.
• Report to directors and contribute to strategic planning.

Who You Are

You’re not just experienced—you’re exceptional. You’ve got the qualifications, the know-how, and the sparkle to inspire everyone around you.

Essential Qualifications

• Level 3 or above in Childcare/Early Years Education
• Paediatric First Aid (12-hour) (or willingness to complete)
• Safeguarding Level 2 or higher (or willingness to complete)
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training (or willingness to complete)
• Food Hygiene Level 2 (or willingness to complete)
• Health & Safety training

Preferred Qualifications

• SENCO training or experience

Experience

• Minimum 2 years in a nursery leadership/managerial role
• Proven track record of successful Ofsted inspections
• Experience managing teams, budgets, and operational systems
• Strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, and EYFS
• Confident communicator with parents, staff, and external professionals

What You Get

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Additional leave after long service, up to 33 days holiday (including bank holidays and birthday off)
• Paid lunch breaks
• 25% discount in childcare fees at our setting.
• Staff uniform supplied and paid for by employer.
• Employer contributions to Pension scheme with option to opt-out.
• Funded CPD opportunities.

Ready to join our fantastic team?

Send your CV and a cover letter that showcases your personality and passion to [e-mail]

Wonderland Nursery is dedicated to keeping our little treasures safe. Successful applicants will be subject to reference checks and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before commencing employment.