Deputy Nursery Manager
Location: Linton, Cambridgeshire (CB21)
Employer: Montessori Cottage Nurseries Linton
Job Type: Full-time 40hours
About Us
Montessori Cottage Nurseries Linton is a warm, nurturing, and child-centred Montessori nursery dedicated to providing high-quality early years education within a carefully prepared environment.
We combine the Montessori philosophy with the EYFS framework to create calm, engaging spaces where children are encouraged to become independent, confident, and curious learners.
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Deputy Nursery Manager who shares our values and can support the leadership of our Montessori setting whilst maintaining exceptional standards of care, education, and safeguarding.
The Role
As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will work closely alongside the Nursery Manager to support the day-to-day leadership and organisation of the nursery.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will work directly with the children daily, supporting their learning, development, and wellbeing within the Montessori environment whilst leading by example for the wider staff team.
You will play a key role in supporting staff practice, maintaining a high-quality Montessori learning environment, and ensuring children receive nurturing, individualised care and education in line with both the Montessori approach and the EYFS framework.
This role would suit someone who is passionate about early years education, enjoys mentoring and supporting teams, and values respectful, child-led learning.
Responsibilities
- Support the Nursery Manager in the daily running and organisation of the nursery
- Work directly with children each day, supporting their learning, independence, and emotional wellbeing
- Lead and inspire staff to deliver outstanding Montessori and EYFS practice
- Help maintain calm, engaging, and well-prepared Montessori environments
- Support staff development through mentoring, coaching, supervision, and role modelling
- Promote children’s independence, confidence, and natural curiosity through child-led learning opportunities
- Ensure high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing are maintained at all times
- Support compliance with EYFS requirements, nursery policies, and regulatory expectations
- Build strong and professional relationships with families and external professionals
- Step into the Manager role when required and support the wider leadership of the setting
Requirements
- Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5 or above desirable)
- Previous leadership, room leader, or senior practitioner experience within an early years setting
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
- A passion for the Montessori philosophy and child-led learning
- Montessori experience or training is desirable but not essential
- Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills
- Calm, nurturing, and professional approach
- Ability to motivate, mentor, and support a team effectively
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Pension scheme
- DBS and renewal costs covered
- Up to 32 days annual leave plus additional paid holidays
- Christmas closure (24 December – 2 January)
- Free meals provided whilst on duty
- Ongoing Montessori training and funded professional development opportunities
- Career progression opportunities within a growing Montessori nursery group
- Supportive management and leadership team
- A welcoming nursery environment with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and development
Apply today to join Montessori Cottage Nurseries Linton and become part of a passionate team dedicated to providing outstanding Montessori early years education.
For any questions, CVs, or enquiries, please contact:
[email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £28,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Linton CB21: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- What experience working in an early years environment do you have?
- What knowledge of safeguarding and child protection do you have?
Education:
- Diploma of Higher Education (required)
Experience:
- Management: 1 year (required)
- Nursery: 3 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Early Years qualification level 3 (required)
- DBS Check or Willing to Apply (required) (required)
Work Location: In person
