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Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Swanscombe; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Generous annual leave

Enhanced parental leave

Leadership development opportunities

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager for a spacious nursery in Swanscombe, UK. You will support the Nursery Manager, lead the team, and ensure consistently high-quality care and education.

The role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification, senior EYFS experience, and strong safeguarding knowledge, with opportunities for professional development and career progression. Salary is up to £44,000, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) required.
• Senior early years experience with Third in Charge level is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development.
• Excellent safeguarding understanding and regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with day-to-day operations.
• Provide visible leadership and motivate the wider team.
• Coach and develop practitioners, strengthening their knowledge and practice.
• Monitor the quality of children’s experiences and EYFS delivery.
• Encourage environments and activities that develop children’s confidence and school readiness.
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager and lead the setting when required.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

EYFS knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Up to £44,000 per year | Full Time | All Year Round

If you've already established yourself as a strong early years leader and you're ready for greater responsibility, this could be the opportunity to take that next step.

We're looking for an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager to join a spacious and engaging nursery where children's independence and development are encouraged at every stage. The nursery's bright, airy rooms are carefully arranged around different age groups, with plenty of resources and activities that allow children to explore their interests, develop new skills and gradually prepare for their transition to school.

The learning doesn't stop at the nursery doors. Outside, children have access to a wonderful environment with different areas for play, learning and gardening, giving them plenty of opportunities to get active, investigate nature and take their learning outdoors.

You'll work closely with the Nursery Manager, helping to lead the team, maintain excellent standards and ensure children receive consistently high-quality care and education.

What We're Looking For

Full and relevant

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous senior early years experience is essential, with a minimum of Third in Charge experience.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Confidence leading, coaching and supporting nursery practitioners.
• Experience maintaining high standards of care, learning and nursery practice.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• A hands-on leadership style and the ability to step up in the Nursery Manager's absence.

What You'll Receive

• Up to £44,000 per year
• Heavily discounted childcare
• Competitive annual leave package
• Enhanced parental leave
• Ongoing opportunities for professional and leadership development
• Clear opportunity to continue progressing your early years management career

Your Role

• Support the Nursery Manager with the successful day-to-day operation of the setting.
• Provide visible leadership across the nursery, supporting and motivating the wider team.
• Coach and develop practitioners, helping them strengthen their knowledge and early years practice.
• Monitor the quality of children's experiences and ensure the EYFS is delivered consistently.
• Encourage environments and activities that develop children's confidence, independence and school readiness.
• Make full use of the nursery's indoor and outdoor spaces to support varied learning experiences.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Support staffing, routines and the organisation of the nursery day.
• Maintain excellent safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory standards.
• Deputise for the Nursery Manager and confidently lead the setting when required.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.