NEW SETTING: Tiny Seeds Preschool
Deputy Manager (Early Years)
Level 3 Childcare Qualification Required
Permanent, Term Time Only (8:00am-4:00pm, 5 days per week )
Hourly Rate: £15.03– £15.96 per hour (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Join Our Brand-New Preschool Setting
We are excited to be opening a brand-new preschool at St James’ Church, Pokesdown, and are looking for a passionate and experienced Deputy Manager to join us at this exciting stage of development.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the ethos, culture, and leadership of a new preschool from the very beginning. You will play a key role in supporting the daily running of the setting and helping to build a strong, inspiring, and high-quality early years environment.
Our preschool follows a Planning in the Moment approach, placing children’s interests, curiosity, and individual development at the heart of everything we do. With extensive resources, a dedicated outdoor learning space, and access to local school playgrounds, we provide a rich and stimulating environment for children to explore, learn, and grow.
The Role
As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Manager to lead the team and support the daily running of the preschool, ensuring high standards of care, education, safeguarding, and professionalism are consistently maintained.
You will help lead by example, support and mentor staff, and ensure the smooth and effective delivery of high-quality early years provision. You will also take responsibility for leading the setting in the absence of the Manager, always ensuring continuity of practice and strong leadership.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early year professional ready to take the next step into leadership within a brand-new setting.
What We’re Looking For
Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in an Early Years setting
Full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare (or above) recognised by the Department for Education.
Minimum of two years' experience working within an early year setting.
Previous experience in a senior or supervisory role within an early year’s environment.
Sound knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures, including the ability to recognise and respond appropriately to concerns.
Experience of supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and promoting inclusive practice.
Essential Skills and Knowledge
Strong leadership and organisational skills.
Ability to support, motivate and supervise staff effectively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff and external professionals.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a leadership team and deputise for the Nursery Manager in their absence.
Good knowledge of child development and how children learn.
Ability to monitor and support high-quality teaching, learning and assessment practices.
Competent in observing practice and providing constructive feedback and coaching to staff.
Ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively.
Good written skills, including the ability to complete reports, maintain accurate records and contribute to policies and procedures.
Confident in using IT systems and nursery management software.
Ability to always maintain confidentiality and act professionally.
Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Responsibilities
Support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the setting.
Lead the setting in the Manager's absence, ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the nursery.
Support recruitment, induction, supervision and appraisal processes.
Model outstanding practice and support staff development through mentoring and coaching.
Monitor the quality of provision and contribute to self-evaluation and improvement planning.
Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed consistently and effectively.
Work in partnership with parents to support children's learning, development and wellbeing.
Support the implementation of SEND provision and liaise with the SENCO where appropriate.
SENCO trained or wiliness to train.
Ensure compliance with nursery policies, procedures and statutory requirements.
Desirable Criteria
Paediatric First Aid qualification.
Safeguarding Lead training.
Experience of preparing for or participating in Ofsted inspections.
Experience of supporting staff through change and leading quality improvement initiatives.
Knowledge of funding processes, including SEND inclusion funding and Disability Access Funding (DAF).
What We Offer
Term-time only working
Working hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
An additional day’s holiday to celebrate your birthday
Christmas bonus
Paid overtime for training and staff meetings
The opportunity to help shape and lead a brand-new preschool setting
Extensive, high-quality resources and learning environments
Planning in the Moment approach
Dedicated outdoor learning space and access to local school playgrounds
Ongoing training and leadership development opportunities
A supportive, friendly, and dedicated team
A positive working environment where staff are valued, respected, and empowered to grow
The opportunity to make a real difference to children, families, and the local community
How to Apply
If you are an enthusiastic and experienced early years professional ready to take the next step in leadership, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected]
For more information please call 07852218988
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, and relevant safeguarding checks
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: £15.03-£15.96 per hour
Experience:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
