Nursery Deputy Manager (Ftc-12 Months)

Bright Horizons; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 75%

Competitive bonus up to £1,500

25 days annual leave

Pension

Job summary

Bright Horizons Whetstone Nursery in London is seeking a Deputy Manager to lead a dedicated team and deliver high‑quality care and education for children aged growth. You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, oversee day‑to‑day operations, and support safeguarding policies while driving occupancy and budget targets.

The role requires an EY Level 3+ qualification, leadership experience in early years, safeguarding expertise, and strong communication with staff and parents.

Qualifications

• Level 3+ Early Years qualification required.
• Experience in an EY leadership role.
• Experience with regulatory inspections resulting in Good/Outstanding.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and compliance with child protection laws.
• Ability to build trust with colleagues and parents.

Responsibilities

• As Deputy Manager, lead and mentor nursery staff.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Manage day-to-day running and safeguarding policies.
• Support retention, occupancy, and budgeting.
• Build partnerships with parents and professionals.

Skills

Leadership in EY

Regulatory experience

Safeguarding knowledge

Decision making

Stakeholder relations

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Whetstone Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary

Starting from £36,088 per annum (FTC - From May 2026 for 12 months) (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location

Whetstone, London

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 Whetstone nursery, situated in Whetstone, North London, commutable by car or public transport. The nearest station is Totteridge & Whetstone Underground Station, which is on the Northern Line making it easily commutable from Barnet, Finchley, Mill Hill, Camden, Euston and surrounding areas! This is a fixed term contract from May 2026 for 12 months.

Our 46 place nursery has a beautiful rooftop terrace, which allows children to continue their learning journey outdoors. With a wide range of age-specific activities and toys, there is always so much to discover and explore, including our exciting sand and water trays.

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 75% for first child*
• Competitive bonus of up to £1,500, awarded in line with Ofsted inspection outcomes
• 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

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

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.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years.