Job description:
At Magic Roundabout Nurseries, we hire leaders — not just practitioners. We're looking for a confident and experienced Deputy Nursery Manager who is passionate about early years education, leads by example, and is ready to support the day-to-day running of a high-quality nursery. Based at our Docklands nursery, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to take the next step in their early years leadership career.
YOU MUST HAVE
- A Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) qualification or above — this is a firm requirement
- At least 2 years' hands-on experience in an early years or EYFS setting
- Previous experience in a senior or deputy management role
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework, including observations, assessments, and children's development
- Confident leadership and the ability to motivate and support a team
- Excellent communication skills with children, families, colleagues, and external professionals
- A strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, and welfare requirements
- The ability to support the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery
- The right to work in the UK
YOUR DAY-TO-DAY
- Support the Nursery Manager with the overall day-to-day operation of the nursery
- Lead, motivate, and support the nursery team to deliver high-quality early years education and care
- Act as a positive role model, promoting best practice across the nursery
- Support the planning and delivery of high-quality, play-based learning experiences rooted in the EYFS
- Monitor children's development, observations, and assessments, ensuring progress is accurately tracked
- Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and sharing best practice
- Assist with staff deployment, rotas, room organisation, and daily operational requirements
- Ensure safeguarding, welfare, health and safety, and nursery policies are consistently followed
- Support the Nursery Manager with inspections, audits, and compliance requirements
- Address concerns or issues promptly and escalate them to the Nursery Manager when appropriate
- Take responsibility for the nursery in the Manager's absence
- Support the induction and development of new team members
- Help maintain a positive, inclusive, and professional nursery environment
WHAT YOU'LL GET
- Fully funded CPD
- Birthday leave
- 31 days annual leave
- Childcare discount + free daily meals
- Career progression
- £200 referral bonus
- Company pension
- Social events
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Two satisfactory references
- Enhanced DBS check (required prior to start)
- Overseas criminal record check if you have lived or worked outside the UK in the last 5 years
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £32,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification or above?
- Do you have at least 2 years' experience working in a childcare or early years setting?
- Do you have previous leadership, supervisory, or room management experience?
- Do you have experience supporting the day-to-day management of a nursery or early years setting?
- Do you have the right to work in the UK?
Work Location: In person
