The Deputy Nursery Manager will support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day leadership and management of Little Loco's Day Nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding, and compliance are maintained. The Deputy Manager will lead by example, support and develop the staff team, and help create a positive, nurturing environment where children can learn, develop, and thrive.
In the absence of the Nursery Manager, the Deputy Manager will assume responsibility for the overall management and operation of the nursery.
Key Responsibilities Leadership and Management
- Support the Nursery Manager in the daily operation of the nursery.
- Lead, motivate, and inspire staff to deliver outstanding childcare and education.
- Promote the vision, values, and ethos of Little Loco's Day Nursery.
- Act as a role model for professional practice and conduct.
- Assist with staff supervision, performance management, and appraisals.
- Support staff recruitment, induction, and retention.
- Help identify training needs and support continuous professional development.
- Take responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
Quality of Care and Education
- Ensure the nursery delivers high-quality care and learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Monitor children's learning and development to ensure positive outcomes.
- Support staff with planning, observations, assessments, and next steps.
- Ensure children's individual needs are recognised and met.
- Promote inclusive practice and equal opportunities throughout the nursery.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in maintaining effective safeguarding procedures.
- Ensure all safeguarding policies and procedures are followed.
- Promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout the nursery.
- Monitor staff understanding and implementation of safeguarding responsibilities.
- Respond appropriately to any safeguarding concerns in accordance with nursery procedures.
Compliance and Operations
- Support the Nursery Manager in ensuring compliance with Ofsted requirements, EYFS standards, and relevant legislation.
- Monitor staffing ratios and deployment throughout the day.
- Support occupancy management and nursery admissions.
- Assist with maintaining accurate records, policies, and documentation.
- Ensure health and safety procedures are followed and risk assessments are completed.
- Support the preparation for Ofsted inspections and quality assurance processes.
Parent and Family Partnerships
- Build positive and professional relationships with parents and carers.
- Support the resolution of concerns or complaints in a professional manner.
- Promote effective communication between the nursery and families.
- Encourage parental involvement in children's learning and development.
Financial and Administrative Support
- Assist with nursery administration as required.
- Support occupancy growth and retention.
- Help ensure nursery resources are used effectively and responsibly.
- Support the Nursery Manager in achieving nursery objectives and business goals.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years (Level 5 or above desirable).
- Previous experience in a senior early years role.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
- Experience leading, supporting, and motivating staff.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Enhanced DBS check.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
Desirable
- Level 5 qualification in Early Years Leadership and Management or equivalent.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Experience supporting Ofsted inspections.
- Experience in staff supervision and performance management.
Personal Qualities
- Warm, approachable, and professional.
- Passionate about delivering outstanding childcare.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills.
- Positive, proactive, and solution-focused.
- Reliable, flexible, and highly organised.
- Committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
Safeguarding Statement
Little Loco's Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and relevant suitability checks.
Benefits
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Supportive leadership team.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- 4 Extra Days of Annual Leave
- Christmas Closure
- Company pension scheme.
- Staff discount on childcare (where applicable).
Pay: £14.00-£15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
