ABOUT US:
Rosebank Day Nursery is a place where children laugh, learn, and grow every single day.
In short, we help families feel completely at ease, knowing their little ones are in the safest, most caring hands possible.
We have been rated Ofsted Outstanding for an amazing 18 years in a row - a true testament to the dedication, care, and expertise of our staff.
We strongly believe that our biggest classroom is the outdoors, and we place a massive focus on outdoor learning and nature-based play. If you love getting muddy and exploring the natural world with the children, you will fit right in!
THE ROLE (IN PLAIN ENGLISH):
Due to our success, we are currently looking for a thoughtful, reliable, and passionate Assistant Manager to join our leadership family.
We want someone who takes pride in doing a great job, supporting our management team, and making sure the children and staff in our care are thriving. You won’t be stuck in an office all day. You’ll be in an environment where getting muddy is encouraged, surrounded by the sounds of happy children, and doing work that genuinely matters while helping steer the ship.
You’ll be responsible for:
Stepping up to support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, taking charge of the setting when they are absent or need an extra pair of capable hands.
Mentoring and guiding our brilliant team of practitioners, ensuring high standards of care and education are maintained across all rooms.
Planning and delivering engaging activities that spark curiosity, with a heavy emphasis on outdoor learning, while ensuring the EYFS framework is brilliantly implemented by the team.
Communicating effectively with parents and carers to build strong, trusting partnerships, and handling more complex queries with confidence and a smile.
Protecting the health and well-being of all children in our care by acting as a key figure in our robust safeguarding procedures.
Assisting with the day-to-day operational running of the nursery, from staff deployment to ensuring policies and procedures are followed flawlessly.
WHY THIS ROLE IS GREAT:
This is a solid, rewarding leadership job for someone who loves being active, making a real difference, and is ready for that next step up. Here’s why you’ll enjoy it:
Real Support: You’ll be working directly with an experienced management team. You’ll get first-hand coaching and mentoring from people who truly know their stuff, helping you grow as a leader.
Meaningful Work: Your work directly shapes little lives and supports the team that cares for them. When the leadership team runs well, the whole nursery thrives.
The Environment: You get to work in a setting that values fresh air, nature, and outdoor exploration as much as you do.
REASONS WHY WE’RE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK:
Flexible working: 35 to 40 hours a week over four or five days (we can figure out what works best for you!).
Joyful Atmosphere: A genuinely happy workplace where a good giggle are highly valued.
Oh, and the usual good stuff is all there too - holidays, pension, rewards. Once you join us, you’ll get your hands on our Team Benefits Brochure, which covers everything in full.
PLUS: we actually help shape the future generation - and that feels pretty damn good.
THE PERFECT CANDIDATE WILL TICK THE BOXES BELOW:
You’re great at: Leading by example, juggling leadership tasks with hands-on childcare, and keeping everything ridiculously organised without breaking a sweat.
What we really care about is that you have a full and relevant Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification, a solid understanding of the EYFS, proven experience in a senior or room leader role, and are not afraid to bring fresh ideas to the management table.
You’re the kind of person who: Is proactive, unflappable, always one step ahead of the process, and knows how to motivate a team.
You can handle: An environment with occasional interruptions (nurseries are lively places!), stepping into a management role at a moment's notice, and all weather conditions - we love the outdoors!
You read this and thought “OMG this is the leadership job for me!!”
You’re reliable, hard-working, and all the usual stuff too.
If you’ve got the right attitude, a love for the outdoors, and a reliable nature, we’d love to hear from you. We want someone who can look at how we do things and say, “I think there’s a better way to do that.”
WHAT YOUR TYPICAL DAY WILL LOOK LIKE:
7:55am: Arrive at Rosebank Day Nursery, hang up your coat, sign in, and say hi to your colleagues.
8:00am: Warmly welcome the children and their parents, ensuring a smooth, comforting start to the day. Check in with the team to ensure ratios are perfect. Boom.
8:30am: Quick catch-up with the Manager and Room Leaders to set priorities, deploy staff effectively, and conquer the day.
8:35am: Get stuck into outdoor learning - searching for bugs, splashing in puddles, or creating nature art alongside the children and staff.
Focus mode: activated. 10:30am: A practitioner needs advice on a challenging situation or an EYFS observation; you are efficient, supportive, and guide them to the right solution.
10:45am: Snack time! Encouraging healthy eating and independence across the rooms.
11:00am: Bathroom Break (you can do this whenever you want, this is just an example!!)
11:15am: Time to do some focused management tasks—updating learning journeys, reviewing room planning, or handling a parent email.
12:00pm: Lunchtime — it’s all about encouraging independence, healthy habits, and chatting with your friends and team.
LUNCH 12:45pm: Go for a walk, reset, and enjoy the fresh air, or use our on-site staff room.
1:30pm: Focused work - setting up a messy sensory play tray for the afternoon session or covering a room leader's break.
2:50pm: Bathroom Break! (again… no pressure to schedule these!!)
3:00pm: Leading a very enthusiastic story session with your key group or observing a staff member to provide constructive feedback.
4:00pm: Quick wins - helping tidy the rooms, cleaning down tables, and prepping for tomorrow.
4:45pm: Provide thoughtful handovers to parents, sharing the funny stories and daily achievements. Touch base with the management team to plan tomorrow, wrap up the loose ends, feel content about a productive day.
6:00pm: Head home! *
*Every day will be different!
The Ins and Outs:
We’re based at Rosebank Day Nursery, 53 Pepper Street, just after the cobbles. We pay a full-time salary, 35 to 40 hours a week over four or five days.
Good luck.
Job Type: Full-time
Licence/Certification:
Level 3 Nursery Practitioner (required)
Leadership/Management experience (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Pay: £14.20 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
Work Location: In person
