Deputy Nursery Manager
Company: Ducklings Nursery
Location: Sandiacre, Nottingham
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £30,000 per year
The Opportunity
Are you an ambitious, experienced Early Years leader passionate about driving pedagogical excellence and mentoring practitioners?
Ducklings Nursery in Sandiacre is a well-established, thriving setting known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality early childhood education. We are seeking an enthusiastic Deputy Nursery Manager to join our leadership team and champion our innovative Ducklingo approach—a unique educational methodology centered around strong early communication, language, and child-led discovery.
Working alongside our Nursery Manager, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining our high standards, driving curriculum implementation, and leading "on the floor" to inspire our dedicated team. This is the ideal role for a senior practitioner or experienced room leader ready to take the next major step in their management career.
Key Responsibilities Pedagogy & Curriculum Leadership
- Model Outstanding Practice: Lead from the front by demonstrating exemplary teaching, environment setup, and child interactions across all rooms.
- Curriculum Champion: Drive the implementation of the EYFS and our bespoke Ducklingo approach, focusing heavily on early communication, language, and literacy.
- Staff Mentoring: Provide on-the-floor coaching, conduct peer observations, and lead staff meetings to elevate practice across the practitioner team.
Operational & Leadership Support
- Deputy Leadership: Take full operational charge of the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
- Safeguarding & Compliance: Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in embedding safeguarding culture, maintaining health and safety standards, and ensuring full Ofsted compliance.
- Resource & Rota Management: Assist with daily room deployment, staff rotas, statutory adult-to-child ratios, and record-keeping (iConnect, registers, accident/medication logs).
Inclusion & Community
- Parent Partnerships: Build trusting relationships with families, host stay-and-play sessions, and facilitate smooth transitions to primary school.
- SEND & Equality: Work alongside the SENCO to champion inclusive learning environments and adapt provision for children with additional needs.
What We Are Looking For
- Qualifications: Full and relevant Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years / Childcare (Degree or Early Years Teacher Status is highly desirable).
- Experience: Proven experience in an Early Years leadership role (e.g., Senior Room Leader, Third in Charge, or Deputy Manager).
- Knowledge: Expert understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted inspection frameworks, safeguarding legislation, and child development.
- Leadership Style: A hands-on, supportive mentor who thrives on motivating others, building strong parent partnerships, and maintaining a high-energy, positive working culture.
What We Offer
- Career Progression: Structured leadership development with opportunities to lead key strategic projects and nursery initiatives.
- Unique Pedagogy: Training in the specialized Ducklingo methodology to expand your Early Years expertise.
- Workplace Culture: A warm, collaborative environment backed by an experienced team and supportive senior leadership.
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Licence/Certification:
- level 3 qualification (or above) in childcare (required)
Work Location: In person
