Assistant Deputy Nursery Manager
Location: Benfleet, Essex (SS7)
Employer: First Class Day Nursery
Job Type: Full-time (40–45 hours per week)
Salary: £32,288.10 – £34,187.40 per year
About the Role
First Class Day Nursery is seeking a passionate and motivated Assistant Deputy Nursery Manager to join our well-established and supportive team.
The Assistant Deputy Nursery Manager will support the Nursery Manager and Nursery Business Manager in leading the day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of exceptional early years education and care.
You will play a key role in maintaining robust safeguarding practices, embedding the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and ensuring the nursery operates to the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, organisation, and curriculum delivery.
The successful candidate will undertake delegated leadership responsibilities and assume overall responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
A significant part of this role involves supporting quality assurance within the rooms, including monitoring teaching and learning, observing staff practice, auditing health and safety procedures, and promoting stimulating, purposeful learning environments.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early years professional looking to progress their leadership career within a thriving nursery setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and support the nursery team to maintain outstanding standards of care and education.
- Support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the nursery.
- Take responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
- Develop and implement age-appropriate learning experiences that promote children's development and wellbeing.
- Ensure compliance with EYFS requirements and all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain accurate records relating to children's development and staff performance.
- Monitor and promote high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and hygiene.
- Build positive and professional relationships with parents and carers, addressing concerns promptly and effectively.
- Oversee resource management and contribute to the effective operation of the nursery.
- Support children with additional needs and liaise with external agencies where required.
- Mentor, coach, and develop team members through observation, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Ensure learning environments remain engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (minimum).
- Minimum of 2 years' childcare experience.
- Previous experience in a leadership role within an early years setting.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS framework.
- Experience in planning, observation, assessment, and tracking children's development.
- Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Experience supporting children with additional needs and knowledge of SEN processes.
- Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
Desirable Qualifications
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding Level 2 qualification.
- Experience of undertaking SENCO responsibilities.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Additional annual leave entitlement
- Birthday day off (or nearest available date)
- Increased annual leave after 5 and 10 years' service
- Company pension scheme
- Health Assurance Scheme
- Online GP service
- Sickness bonus scheme
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
- In-house buddy programme
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
- Supportive and motivated team environment
Safer Recruitment
First Class Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Complete an Enhanced DBS check.
- Provide satisfactory references covering the previous 5 years of employment.
Application Questions
- Do you hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (or above)?
- If successful, when would you be available to start?
- Are you required to give notice to your current employer?
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £32,288.10-£34,187.40 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
