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Shepherds Hill Nursery; Harefield; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Shepherds Hill Nursery is seeking a Deputy Manager who will work closely with the Nursery Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the nursery. You will be hands-on with children and colleagues and will take charge in the Manager's absence to maintain high standards of care and safeguarding.

You will support learning through play, ensure EYFS compliance, and contribute to a calm, welcoming environment. The role shapes day-to-day leadership within a small, nature-led nursery.

Qualifications

• The Deputy Manager will lead with initiative and sound professional judgement.
• Experience in Early Years practice is implied by the role.

Responsibilities

• Lead in partnership with the Nursery Manager and take charge in the Manager's absence.
• Work directly with children and colleagues to maintain high standards of care.
• Ensure safeguarding and EYFS practice are upheld across the nursery.
• Support staff induction, supervision and professional development.
• Build warm, respectful relationships with parents and carers.
• Contribute to reflection and continuous improvement of nursery practice.

Job description

To work in close partnership with the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day leadership and running of Shepherds Hill Nursery.

The Deputy Manager is a hands‑on member of the team, working directly with children and colleagues while helping maintain high standards of care, safeguarding and Early Years practice. The Deputy must be confident and able to take charge in the Manager's absence.

Leadership and Partnership

The Deputy Manager will:

• work closely with the Nursery Manager
• contribute to the day-to-day running and development of the nursery
• use initiative and sound professional judgement
• recognise what needs attention and take appropriate responsibility
• lead, guide and support colleagues
• model the standards expected at Shepherds Hill
• communicate concerns promptly
• take charge confidently when the Manager is absent

The Manager retains overall responsibility; the Deputy is a trusted and active partner in day‑to‑day leadership.

Working with Children

The Deputy Manager will:

• work directly with children as part of the nursery team
• build warm, positive and respectful relationships
• provide and model high‑quality Early Years practice
• support learning through play, relationships and exploration
• encourage independence, curiosity and confidence
• respond to individual needs and promote inclusive practice
• participate actively in outdoor play throughout the year
• support appropriate challenge and managed risk
• help maintain a calm and welcoming environment

At Shepherds Hill, we aim to make children's experiences as safe as necessary rather than as safe as possible.

Early Years Practice

The Deputy Manager will:

• maintain a good working knowledge of the EYFS
• support high‑quality practice across the nursery
• help ensure children's needs, interests and development are understood
• support appropriate observation, assessment and key‑person practice
• contribute to reflection and continuing improvement
• identify where children or staff may need additional support
• work with the Manager, SEND Lead/SENCO and other professionals where appropriate
• help ensure statutory requirements are reflected in practice

Safeguarding and Children's Welfare

The Deputy Manager will:

• place children's safety and wellbeing at the centre of practice
• follow safeguarding and child protection procedures
• recognise and respond appropriately to concerns
• support colleagues to follow safeguarding procedures
• maintain confidentiality
• help ensure statutory welfare requirements are met
• follow nursery health, safety and risk procedures
• help ensure required welfare records are completed appropriately
• undertake required safeguarding and other relevant training
• carry out designated safeguarding responsibilities where appointed and trained

Supporting the Team

The Deputy Manager will:

• support, guide and encourage colleagues
• help maintain a respectful and supportive team culture
• give appropriate feedback and address concerns when necessary
• support staff induction and development
• contribute to supervision and appraisal as agreed with the Manager
• recognise when colleagues need additional support
• communicate openly and constructively
• help ensure staff follow nursery policies and agreed ways of working

Shepherds Hill has a small team and relatively flat structure. Everyone is expected to contribute to nursery life and help one another.

Working with Families

The Deputy Manager will:

• build warm and professional relationships with parents and carers
• communicate appropriately about children's development and wellbeing
• listen and respond sensitively to questions or concerns
• deal with everyday issues and know when to refer matters to the Manager
• maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality

Day-to-Day Nursery Responsibilities

Working with the Manager and team, the Deputy Manager will help ensure:

• safe and appropriate staffing and required ratios
• children are well cared for and supervised
• the environment is safe, welcoming and well organised
• policies and procedures are reflected in practice
• records are accurate and appropriate
• risks are recognised and managed sensibly
• staff and parents receive the information and support they need
• the nursery meets relevant EYFS and statutory requirements

The Deputy Manager will undertake reasonable administrative and organisational duties.

Practical Nursery Life

The Deputy Manager is expected to participate fully in everyday nursery life, including:

• setting up and tidying environments
• meals and daily routines
• toileting and personal care
• outdoor play and activities
• supporting children who need comfort or additional help
• helping maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment
• responding practically to unexpected situations

All members of the team contribute to the practical day‑to‑day running of the nursery.

Training and Professional Development

The Deputy Manager will:

• undertake safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid and other required training
• participate in supervision and appraisal
• reflect on their practice and leadership
• keep EYFS and statutory knowledge up to date
• undertake professional development appropriate to the role
• share relevant learning and support the development of nursery practice

Professional Expectations

The Deputy Manager is expected to:

• be reliable, punctual and professional
• demonstrate sound judgement and initiative
• communicate openly with the Manager and team
• take appropriate responsibility for decisions and actions
• recognise professional limits and seek advice when necessary
• maintain confidentiality
• follow nursery policies and agreed ways of working
• support Shepherds Hill's values and ethos

Shepherds Hill is a small, independent nursery with a strong outdoor and nature‑led approach.

We believe children thrive through warm relationships, play, exploration, appropriate challenge and time spent experiencing the natural world.

The Deputy Manager helps protect and develop this ethos while bringing their own experience, ideas and judgement.

Leadership at Shepherds Hill is hands‑on. We expect our Deputy Manager to lead alongside the children and staff rather than away from them.