Deputy Nursery Manager
Location: Alnwick, NorthumberlandHours: Full Time, 40 hours per week, all year roundSalary: Competitive, dependent on experienceResponsible to: Nursery Manager and Director
About Little Adventurers
At Little Adventurers, we believe in creating nurturing, inspiring environments where children can grow, explore and discover. Our practice is rooted in secure attachments, meaningful interactions and a knowledge-rich curriculum that supports every child to flourish.
We are seeking a passionate and motivated Deputy Nursery Manager to support the leadership of our nursery and help deliver exceptional care and education for children and families.
Purpose of the Role
The Deputy Manager will work alongside the Nursery Manager to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the setting, maintaining high standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance. They will lead by example, support and develop staff, and step into the Manager role in their absence.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Support
- Support the Nursery Manager with the daily operation of the nursery.
- Lead, motivate and coach practitioners to deliver high-quality experiences for children.
- Act as a role model for excellent practice and professional conduct.
- Assist with staff supervisions, inductions and ongoing professional development.
- Promote a positive, reflective and supportive team culture.
Quality of Education
- Ensure children receive high-quality interactions that support their individual development and next steps.
- Support staff in planning meaningful experiences based on children’s interests and developmental needs.
- Monitor learning environments to ensure they are safe, stimulating and inclusive.
- Champion strong attachment-based practice and positive behaviour support.
Safeguarding and Compliance
- Support safeguarding procedures and act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead where required.
- Ensure policies, procedures and statutory requirements are consistently followed.
- Contribute to health and safety checks, risk assessments and compliance monitoring.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
Parent Partnerships
- Build positive relationships with parents and carers.
- Support effective communication between home and nursery.
- Work collaboratively with external professionals to meet children’s individual needs.
Operational Responsibilities
- Assist with staff deployment and daily room organisation.
- Support occupancy growth and positive first impressions during visits and enrolments.
- Contribute to maintaining high standards across the nursery environment.
- Undertake managerial duties in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
Person Specification
Essential
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
- Experience working within an early years setting.
- Previous experience in a senior practitioner, room leader or deputy role.
- Sound knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to lead by example and support others to improve practice.
- A genuine passion for delivering exceptional outcomes for children.
Desirable
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Experience supporting staff development and coaching.
- Knowledge of attachment-informed and neuroscience-informed practice.
- Experience contributing to inspections or quality improvement initiatives.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and opportunities for career progression.
- Ongoing training, mentoring and leadership development.
- Discounted childcare.
- Company events and wellbeing initiatives.
- A supportive leadership team committed to high-quality early years practice.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to children, families and the local community.
Little Adventurers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references and satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Pay: £27,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
