As Deputy Manager and Pre-School Lead at Ladybird Lane Nursery, you will work in partnership with the Nursery Manager to ensure the highest standards of education, care, safeguarding and operational practice across the setting.
Whilst leading the Pre-School group, you will also support the day-to-day management of the nursery, taking responsibility in the Manager's absence and acting as a positive role model for the whole staff team. You will lead by example, inspire excellent practice and help maintain a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Support the Nursery Manager with the daily running of the nursery and confidently take responsibility in their absence.
- Lead the nursery floor, ensuring high standards of care, professionalism and staff practice are consistently maintained.
- Promote a positive, supportive and respectful team culture.
- Support staff through mentoring, coaching and modelling outstanding practice.
- Assist with staff inductions and mentor new team members on nursery procedures and expectations.
- Cover staff rotas during periods of absence or annual leave where required.
- Attend and lead monthly staff meetings when required.
- Check and action nursery emails in the Manager's absence.
- Once trained, undertake the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
Teaching & Learning
- Lead the Pre-School curriculum, ensuring learning opportunities are engaging, ambitious and tailored to children's individual interests and developmental needs.
- Deliver high-quality preschool interventions including phonics, early writing, mathematics and school readiness.
- Ensure all planning reflects the Early Years Foundation Stage and supports children's next steps in learning.
- Oversee both planned and child-led learning experiences to promote curiosity, independence and confidence.
- Lead curriculum development, supporting continuous improvement across the nursery.
Quality Assurance
- Monitor the quality of observations, assessments, planning and next steps completed by key persons – Meena to support with this.
- Complete high-quality termly preschool reports and school transition documentation.
- Work closely with the Nursery Manager to monitor children's progress and identify areas requiring additional support.
- Support staff in maintaining accurate records and meeting nursery expectations.
SEND & Inclusion
- Identify children who may require additional support and promptly share concerns with the Nursery Manager and SENCO.
- Ensure inclusive practice is embedded throughout the pre-school environment.
Partnerships with Parents
- Build positive relationships with parents and carers through effective communication.
- Manage and update the nursery Facebook page/News Letter every Thursday with engaging content that celebrates children's learning.
- Support smooth transitions into school through strong partnership working with families and receiving schools.
Health, Safety & Safeguarding
- Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, health and safety and children's wellbeing at all times.
- Ensure all nursery policies and procedures are followed consistently.
- Promote a safe, stimulating and welcoming learning environment both indoors and outdoors.
Organisation & Resources
- Ensure learning environments remain well-resourced, inviting and purposeful.
Professional Expectations
You will:
- Demonstrate an excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Have a strong understanding of child development and how young children learn through play.
- Have excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation and responsibilities.
- Lead with integrity, professionalism and positivity.
- Build effective relationships with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.
- Support the professional development of colleagues by recognising strengths and identifying areas for improvement.
- Keep up to date with changes to legislation, guidance and best practice within Early Years.
- Take responsibility for your own continuous professional development and actively seek opportunities to improve practice.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Additional Information
Ladybird Lane Nursery operates a strict No Smoking Policy. Smoking is not permitted on nursery premises or directly outside the nursery in view of children or families.
Mobile phones and smart devices are not permitted on the nursery floor and must never be used to photograph or record children under any circumstances.
As Deputy Manager, you are expected to consistently demonstrate the values, professionalism and high standards expected at Ladybird Lane Nursery, acting as a role model for both children and colleagues.
Pay: £32,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
