Nursery Deputy Manager

Family First; North Hayling; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% Childcare Discount

33 Days Paid Holiday

Career Growth

Health & Wellbeing Support

Employee Referral Scheme

Company Pension Scheme

Supportive Culture

Job summary

Family First’s CherryHarbour Nursery on Hayling Island is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager. You will support the Nursery Manager, drive safety, EYFS compliance and high-quality care, and lead a friendly team in a community-focused setting.

The role offers a 40-hour week, full-time schedule, and a salary up to £34,500 depending on experience, with notable childcare discounts and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Level 3 childcare qualification required.
• At least one year of experience in an Early Years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and regulations.
• At least one year in a management position.
• Level 5 qualification in childcare/management.
• Experience supporting or leading an Ofsted inspection resulting in Good/Outstanding.

Responsibilities

• Support Nursery Manager in leading the team and operations.
• Promote child safety and safeguarding.
• Support EYFS compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Manage medication procedures and care plans.
• Lead learning and development activities.
• Motivate staff and foster professional growth.
• Maintain accurate records using EyMan system.
• Collaborate with management for day-to-day nursery operations.

Skills

Leadership

People management

EYFS knowledge

Communication

Team motivation

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Level 5 qualification in Childcare and/or Management and Leadership

Tools

EyMan system

Job description

Hayling Island, United Kingdom | Posted on 21/10/2026

Deputy Nursery Manager - (75% Childcare Discount)

Salary: Up to £34,500 per annum, depending on experience

Hours: Full Time (40 hours per week, Monday-Friday)

Location: CherryHarbour Nursery (good public transport links)

At CherryHarbour Nursery, we're looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Deputy Nursery Manager to join our friendly, supportive team. Surrounded by nature, our nursery offers wonderful opportunities for children to explore, discover and learn, with a dedicated baby garden and a larger outdoor space for nature-based play and adventure.

You'll play a key role in supporting the nursery's day-to-day operations, inspiring colleagues and ensuring every child receives the highest standard of care and education in a safe, nurturing environment.

We believe great childcare starts with a happy, supported team. Here's what you'll enjoy as part of Family First:

• 75% Childcare Discount: Enjoy a significant discount on nursery fees for your own children, plus access to wider discounts
• 33 Days Paid Holiday: 24 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and your birthday off
• Career Growth: Tailored training, professional development and opportunities to progress
• Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to a confidential employee assistance helpline
• Employee Referral Scheme: Earn up to £750 when you refer a friend
• Company Pension Scheme: Plan for your future with our workplace pension
• Supportive Culture: Join a passionate, dedicated team that values collaboration and high-quality childcare

The Role

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll support the Nursery Manager in leading the team and ensuring the smooth running of the nursery. You'll help create an environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn. Your responsibilities will include:

• Child Safety & Safeguarding: Promote the safety and wellbeing of children, staff, parents and visitors at all times
• EYFS & Compliance: Support the implementation of the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and ensure regulatory requirements are met
• Care & Medication: Help manage medication procedures and ensure care plans are accurate and up to date for children and staff with health conditions
• Learning & Development: Ensure children enjoy stimulating, age-appropriate experiences, activities and environments that support their development
• Team Leadership: Motivate and inspire colleagues, encouraging creative ideas, professional growth and consistently high standards of practice
• Communication & Relationships: Build positive relationships with families and colleagues through clear, fair and consistent communication
• Administration: Maintain accurate records and accounts for children and staff using the EyMan system and relevant files
• Nursery Operations: Work collaboratively with the management team to support the effective day-to-day running of the nursery

About You

You're a confident, caring and motivated early years professional who enjoys supporting others and making a positive difference in children's lives. You understand the importance of high-quality childcare, effective leadership and creating a welcoming environment for children, families and colleagues.

• Full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification
• At least one year of experience working in an Early Years setting
• Sound knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework and regulatory requirements
• At least one year of experience in a management position
• Level 5 qualification in Childcare and/or Management and Leadership
• Experience of successfully supporting or leading an Ofsted inspection resulting in a Good or Outstanding outcome

Why Join Us?

Our nursery is designed to support children as they grow, with warm, attentive care that helps every child feel safe.As part of the Family First Group, you'll benefit from a supportive team, access to professional development and the opportunity to grow your leadership skills while helping shape a positive nursery experience for every child.

Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty..

CherryHarbour Nursery is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group