Nursery Deputy Manager

Teaching Personnel; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in York seeks a Deputy Manager to support the Nursery Manager. You will lead staff, ensure compliance with educational standards, mentor team members, and manage nursery operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early years education, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to high standards of care and learning.

Qualifications

• Experience in early years setting management.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Ability to motivate and mentor staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support and deputise for the Nursery Manager.
• Lead and inspire the staff team.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and education standards.
• Monitor and review children's progress.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Compliance

Organizational skills

Education

Qualified in Early Years Education

Job description

Overview

Reports to: Nursery Manager & Business Management Team

To support the Nursery Manager in leading and managing the setting, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, and compliance.
The Deputy Manager will mentor and inspire staff, model outstanding practice, and take full responsibility for daily operations in the absence of the Nursery Manager - while also maintaining their base room duties (e.g. Room Leader responsibilities).

Responsibilities

• Support and deputise for the Nursery Manager in all aspects of nursery operations.

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the staff team to deliver high-quality childcare and education.

• Ensure full compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted requirements.

• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene, and welfare across the setting.

• Build and sustain strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external agencies.

• Promote the ethos and values of York Childcare, acting as a positive representative of the nursery.

• Monitor and review children's progress, ensuring individual needs are met and learning opportunities are well-planned.

• Support administrative duties including staff supervision, rota planning, and financial tasks when required.

• Model best practice in teaching, care, and behaviour management to ensure consistency across the team.

• Mentor staff, conduct observations, and provide constructive feedback to enhance quality of provision.

• Act as key holder and take responsibility for safeguarding, security, and emergency procedures.

Qualifications & Professional Development

1. Lead and support Early Years Practitioners to maintain high standards of practice and professionalism.

2. Chair and contribute to team and staff meetings, occasionally during evenings.

3. Conduct regular supervisions and assist with staff appraisals.

4. Ensure health, safety, and hygiene standards are consistently upheld throughout the nursery.

5. Oversee the quality and accuracy of records, observations, and child assessments.

6. Monitor the implementation of the Quality of Education Plan and support continuous improvement.

7. Support staff wellbeing and foster a positive, inclusive working culture.

8. Coordinate staffing rotas to ensure ratios are met and operational needs covered.