Nursery Deputy Manager

IvyHouse Nursery; Farnham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Birthday leave

Annual leave

Casual dress

Staff incentives

Team events

Small nursery

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Ivy House Nursery in Farnham is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager to lead daily operations, mentor staff and ensure high-quality care and education for children. This pivotal role supports the Nursery Manager and helps nurture a warm, safe setting where families feel welcome.

You will build strong relationships with families, drive quality improvement and foster a collaborative team culture, championing safeguarding and excellent early years practice.

Qualifications

• Must hold a recognised Level 3 childcare qualification.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and child development.
• Experience supporting colleagues and overseeing nursery operations.
• Passion for children's learning, wellbeing and development.
• A positive attitude with a willingness to learn and grow with us.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day nursery operations alongside the Nursery Manager.
• Support staff development and maintain high care and education standards.
• Build partnerships with families and communicate effectively with the team.
• Help create a warm, safe and inspiring environment for children.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

EYFS knowledge

Relationship building

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Deputy Nursery Manager – Join Our Ivy House Nursery Family!

Full-time | 4 days per week | 38 hours | 7:30am–6:00pm

Are you a passionate early years professional who loves making a difference to little lives? Are you ready to take the next step in your career within a small, nurturing nursery where relationships, teamwork and high-quality care really matter?

We’re looking for a warm, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Deputy Nursery Manager to join our team and help us create a happy safe and inspiring environment where children thrive, families feel welcomed and our team feels valued.

We’re open to hearing from an experienced Deputy Manager looking for a fresh start in a lovely new setting, or a confident and experienced Third in Charge who is ready to spread their wings and step up into a deputy role. What matters most to us is your passion for early years, your positive attitude and your desire to make a real difference.

What we're looking for in our Deputy Manager

We want someone who is more than just a great childcare practitioner. We're looking for a supportive leader who will bring warmth, enthusiasm and positivity to our nursery every day.

You’ll be someone who is:

• Warm, friendly and approachable – building genuine relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Knowledgeable and passionate about early years education, child development and providing outstanding care.
• Hard-working and proactive – happy to roll up your sleeves, lead by example and get stuck in wherever needed.
• A confident communicator who can build strong partnerships with parents, support colleagues and communicate effectively with the wider team.
• Organised and reliable, with the ability to help oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• A supportive team player and positive leader who encourages others, shares ideas and helps create a happy working environment.
• Committed to high standards, safeguarding and providing children with the best possible start in life.

What will the role of Deputy Manager involve?

Working closely with the Nursery Manager, you will help lead the day-to-day running of the setting, support and motivate the team, maintain high standards of care and education, and ensure every child feels safe, secure and valued.

As a Deputy Manager, you'll help build strong relationships with families, support staff development, contribute to planning and quality improvement, and help create the kind of nursery where children love to come and staff love to work.

We want someone who is happy to lead from the front, bring fresh ideas and help our little setting continue to grow and flourish.

What you'll need

• A recognised Level 3 childcare qualification.
• Previous nursery experience and a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Experience supporting colleagues, taking responsibility and contributing to the smooth running of a nursery.
• A genuine passion for children's learning, development and wellbeing.
• A positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to learn, develop and grow with us.

Whether you're already a Deputy Nursery Manager or a strong Third in Charge ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you!

The perks of joining our team!

We believe that looking after our team is just as important as looking after our children. We want you to feel appreciated, supported and excited to come to work.

Here’s what we offer:

• Hefty staff discount on childcare fees – making childcare more affordable for your own family.
• Your birthday off every year – a little extra time to celebrate you!
• A generous annual leave package – because rest and time with loved ones matter.
• Casual dress and uniform provided – feel comfortable at work, with uniform supplied.
• Staff incentives and rewards – because hard work and commitment deserve recognition.
• Team events and get-togethers – making time to celebrate, connect and have fun together.
• A small, nurturing setting where relationships matter, every team member makes a difference and you’re never just another number.
• Opportunities to grow – develop your leadership skills, build confidence and make your mark within the nursery.

Come and help us make every day special for our children, families and team