Overview:
Are you an ambitious Early Years professional looking for more than just a nursery practitioner role?
We are seeking a passionate, driven, and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner to join our well-established, independent nursery, with a clear and supported pathway to a future Deputy Manager position.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to develop their leadership skills, take on increasing responsibility, and build a long-term career within a forward-thinking and dynamic nursery group that genuinely invests in its people.
From day one, you will work alongside experienced leaders and early years professionals, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of nursery operations, team leadership, parent partnerships, safeguarding, curriculum delivery, and quality improvement. As you progress, you will be supported through mentoring, professional development, and leadership opportunities designed to prepare you for a Deputy Manager role.
We pride ourselves on creating an environment where talent is recognised, initiative is encouraged, and career progression is actively supported. You will join a highly motivated and dedicated team where your ideas are valued, your strengths are nurtured, and your contribution makes a real difference to children's lives.
What we offer:
- A structured progression pathway towards a Deputy Manager position
- Ongoing training, mentoring, and leadership development
- Opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and projects
- A supportive and collaborative management team
- A culture that encourages innovation, autonomy, and professional growth
- The opportunity to be part of a respected, long-standing independent nursery with an excellent reputation
Key Responsibilities:
In addition to in-room practice, the successful candidate will be engaged with:
- Activity Planning – develop and implement engaging and educational activities;
- Observations – conduct and document child and peer-to-peer observations;
- Maintain and update child reports and our online learning journal;
- Parent consultations – arrange and conduct regular child progress meetings;
- Displays on site – update, review and fine on an ongoing basis;
- Lunch Club management – oversee and supervise this session to enhance its enjoyability and experience for the children;
- Nursery stock management – maintain and manage stock lists, shopping lists for reaching resources and other materials, and ensure adequate supplies;
- Relationship management – foster and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders;
- On-site monitoring – monitor and report on-site operational aspects such as utilities;
- Provision Liaison – coordinate with Head Office regarding on-site needs such as uniform;
- Ofsted-readiness – assist Manager in preparing for inspections, including updates to the EYFS framework;
- Support and drive organisational change, communicating any changes positively, appropriately and effectively to fellow staff;
- Provide highly visible professional management and leadership on a day-to-day basis;
- Support senior Management with recruiting, retaining, developing and rewarding staff in accordance with legislation and Company policy;
- Act as Deputy Safeguarding Lead;
- Act as Deputy SENCO;
- Be prepared to upskill in relevant areas to act as Acting Manager in the Manager’s absence.
Requirements:
- Previous experience in an Ofsted rated Outstanding nursery, or within a management structure in an Ofsted Good or above rated nursery
- Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification
- 3+ years' experience in a senior role within a nursery/preschool setting
- Kind, approachable, empathetic, calm and self-motivated
- Ability to motivate, manage, and work effectively within a team
- Strong understanding of the EYFS, Montessori approach and current Early Years Inspection Framework
- Thorough knowledge of child safeguarding and welfare
Benefits:
Salary of between £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
- We operate above legal ratios so there is always free resource available for support
- We operate 20+bank holidays as standard annual leave
- Additional Birthday Leave for all staff post-probation
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave package post-probation
- Professional and personal development – our ethos is to employ the best-in-class talent and provide them with best-in-class tools and resources to be able to deliver the incredibly high standards of care and education within our nursery
- Opportunity to grow within organisation into managerial roles, as a part of a growing and ambitious group
- Paid inset days including staff training, team building and staff social
- Company wide staff socials through the year, fully funded
- Heavily discounted childcare, up to 75% off, post-probation
Professional and personal development – our ethos is to employ the best-in-class talent and provide them with best-in-class tools and resources to be able to deliver the incredibly high standards of care and education within our nursery
Safeguarding Statement
Bo Peep are committed to Keeping children safe; therefore, it is necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record Disclosure and Barred check to be undertaken. All posts involving direct contact with children and vulnerable adults are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. All candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions, you may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your employment commences. A continuous subscription to the update service will also be required. Prior to the commencement of employment, the candidate must satisfy all safeguarding criteria as set by the Company. This is subject to alteration and zero tolerance will be made in this regard. The Company holds the final right to provide employment and will singularly deem a candidate either suitable or unsuitable to work in a high priority environment with children.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team in providing high-quality care for young children. If you are passionate about early childhood education and have the necessary skills, we invite you to apply for the Senior Nursery Practitioner (Deputy Manager Progression Pathway).
Senior Nursery Practitioner (Deputy Manager Progression Pathway): 7:30am - 18:30pm
Job Type: Full-time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Nursery Management: 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 EY Qualification (preferred)
Work Location: In person
