Nursery Deputy Manager

Bright Horizons; Dartford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 75% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

25 days annual leave plus holidays

Pension

Virtual GP and wellbeing benefits

Career development programme and coach

Job summary

Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking a Deputy Manager to lead a warm team, oversee safeguarding, and drive high-quality care and education for children. The setting offers extensive outdoor spaces and on‑site Forest School facilities.

The role is based in Dartford with a comprehensive benefits package, ongoing training, and clear progression pathways. This post is a temporary contract until December 2027, with 25 days’ leave, and a 75% childcare

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification.
• Experience in an Early Years leadership role.
• Experience with regulatory inspections and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team to deliver high‑quality care and education.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and manage safeguarding policies.
• Support succession planning, training, and partnerships with parents and professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – £34,299.20 - £44,782.40 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Dartford, Kent

_ Please note - this is a temporary position until December 2027 _

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for a Deputy Manager to join our Springfield Lodge nursery. At our Dartford nursery, we’re proud to offer a spacious outdoor garden and a dedicated on‑site Forest School area, giving children rich opportunities for exploration and learning. Our long‑standing, experienced staff team provides a warm, consistent environment for every child. The setting is conveniently located close to local transport links and also benefits from an on‑site car park for those who drive. We are committed to supporting our team with continual training and clear pathways for progression within their role.

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 75% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As a Deputy Manager, you will lead, mentor, support, and inspire a team to deliver exception care and education. You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing day to day running of the nursery and management of safeguarding and child protection policies. You will contribute to succession planning, training, and supporting team professional development plans, maintain strong partnerships with colleagues, parents, and other professionals (such as the Local Authority), and support the commercial success of the nursery through retention, occupancy growth, and maintaining budgets.

What we’re looking for

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
• Experience within an Early Years leadership role (ideally as a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, Third in Charge or similar)
• Experience of participating with a regulatory inspection, leading to a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ outcome
• Confident decision maker, with previous experience providing support and leadership to others
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

We look forward to receiving your application!