Ready to take the next step in nursery leadership?
Jungle Tots Day Nursery is looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and hands-on Deputy Nursery Manager to join our leadership team.
This is a key senior position within the nursery, working closely alongside our Nursery Manager and sitting second in the setting. You'll play an important role in the day-to-day leadership of the nursery, supporting our team, maintaining consistently high standards and helping us continue to develop the very best environment for our children and families.
We're an independent, family-run nursery and we're incredibly proud of the environment and team we've built. We're looking for someone who shares our passion for providing outstanding experiences for children and who isn't afraid to get involved, lead from the front and make things happen.
As Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the effective day-to-day running of the whole setting. You'll be a visible and approachable member of the leadership team and will be confident stepping up to lead the nursery in the Nursery Manager's absence.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Acting as second in charge of the nursery, supporting the Nursery Manager across all areas of the setting.
- Taking responsibility for the nursery and team in the Nursery Manager's absence.
- Supporting and developing Room Leaders and practitioners to deliver consistently high-quality practice.
- Maintaining excellent standards of safeguarding, welfare, health and safety and compliance.
- Ensuring children's individual needs, including dietary, medical and additional needs, are understood and effectively managed.
- Supporting high-quality teaching, learning and environments across all nursery rooms.
- Being highly visible within the rooms, observing practice and providing constructive support and challenge where required.
- Helping to maintain accurate records, procedures and documentation.
- Supporting staff training, supervision, performance management and professional development.
- Building positive and professional relationships with parents and families.
- Supporting the Nursery Manager with occupancy, staffing, rotas and the smooth operational running of the nursery.
- Helping to continually identify opportunities to improve standards and children's experiences.
- Supporting the nursery's ongoing Ofsted readiness and ensuring high standards are embedded every day, not simply when an inspection is approaching.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for someone who already understands what excellent early years practice looks like and has the confidence and leadership skills to help others achieve it.
You'll ideally have:
- A Level 3 or above Early Years qualification.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS and current early years requirements.
- Previous experience in a senior nursery role, such as Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, Third in Charge or an experienced Room Leader ready for progression.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and children's welfare.
- The confidence to lead a team and address standards when they aren't where they need to be.
- Excellent organisation and communication skills.
- A positive, practical and solutions-focused approach.
- The ability to build strong relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
- A genuine desire to develop both yourself and the people around you.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is present and involved. This isn't a role that's about sitting in an office. We want a Deputy who knows what's happening throughout the nursery, supports the team on the floor and helps create a culture where everyone takes pride in delivering the very best for our children.
Why Jungle Tots?
Jungle Tots is an independent, family-run nursery where ideas can become reality and our leadership team has the opportunity to genuinely influence how the nursery develops.
We're proud of our fantastic purpose-built environment, passionate team and the relationships we've built with our families.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to take on a significant leadership position, develop your nursery management experience and play a major part in the next stage of Jungle Tots' journey.
If you're an experienced early years professional looking for a role where you can lead, develop others and genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £33,000.00-£36,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Why are you looking for a new role?
- Why do you enjoy working in childcare?
- What is your biggest strength, something that makes you stand out or good at your job compared to other people?
- What is your notice period, if you have one?
Experience:
- management: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
