The Deputy Nursery Manager at Maryam's Nursery plays a vital role in supporting the Nursery Manager in overseeing daily operations, ensuring high standards of care and education are maintained in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and Ofsted requirements. The Deputy Manager is responsible for ensuring the well-being of all children, assisting with staff management, and fostering a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management:
- Assist the Nursery Manager in leading, motivating, and managing the nursery staff to ensure high-quality early years education and care.
- Act as the Nursery Manager in their absence, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, decision-making, and communication with parents, staff, and external agencies.
- Support the staff team in implementing the nursery’s policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with EYFS and statutory frameworks.
- Conduct staff observations, supervisions, and appraisals to monitor performance, identify training needs, and promote continuous professional development.
- Maintain accurate staff records, including training logs, rotas, and attendance to ensure the correct staff-to-child ratios are upheld.
Compliance with EYFS and Ofsted:
- Support the implementation and monitoring of the EYFS curriculum, ensuring that activities are planned to support children’s progress across all areas of learning.
- Ensure that the nursery is prepared for Ofsted inspections, keeping records and documentation up to date as required by statutory guidance.
- Regularly review nursery policies and procedures to ensure they reflect current Ofsted standards and statutory frameworks.
- Assist in conducting regular audits and evaluations of the nursery environment and practices to ensure ongoing quality improvement.
Safeguarding and Child Protection:
- Act as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting the safeguarding policies and procedures to protect children and ensure staff understand and follow safeguarding protocols.
- Ensure that any safeguarding concerns are reported to the appropriate authorities in line with nursery policies.
- Maintain confidentiality and promote a culture of vigilance where safeguarding and child welfare is a priority for all staff.
Parent Partnership and Communication:
- Build and maintain positive relationships with parents and carers, ensuring they are fully informed about their child’s development and any key nursery updates.
- Handle parent inquiries, complaints, and concerns professionally, ensuring that any issues are resolved in a timely manner.
- Organise and participate in parent meetings, workshops, and events to enhance parental engagement in the child’s learning and development.
Health, Safety, and Welfare:
- Ensure the nursery environment is safe and secure for children, staff, and visitors by conducting regular risk assessments and health and safety checks.
- Ensure all staff understand and adhere to the nursery’s health and safety policies, including first aid, fire safety, and food hygiene practices.
- Maintain accurate records of accidents, incidents, and medication administered in line with nursery policies and procedures.
- Promote the physical and emotional well-being of all children, ensuring a nurturing environment that supports their growth and development.
Curriculum Planning and Implementation:
- Support the Nursery Manager in overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of age-appropriate activities that promote the learning and development of each child in line with the EYFS.
- Ensure key workers effectively plan and deliver engaging learning opportunities that meet the individual needs of the children.
- Monitor children’s progress and development through observations and assessments, ensuring all records are kept up to date.
- Encourage a play-based approach to learning and ensure that the characteristics of effective learning are embedded in daily routines. Staff Development and Training:
- Assist in identifying staff training needs and ensuring that all team members are up to date with their professional development.
- Support the delivery of in-house training and encourage staff to attend external training courses as needed, particularly in areas such as safeguarding, first aid, and EYFS updates.
- Help foster a collaborative, team-focused environment where staff feel supported and motivated to deliver high standards of care and education.
Financial and Administrative Duties:
- Assist the Nursery Manager with administrative tasks such as managing the nursery budget, processing payments, and maintaining accurate financial records.
- Support in managing nursery resources, ensuring that the environment is well-equipped and that materials are regularly reviewed and replenished.
- Oversee the day-to-day management of attendance registers, ensuring that children’s hours are accurately recorded.
Continuous Improvement:
- Work with the Nursery Manager to identify areas for improvement within the nursery and implement strategies to enhance the quality of care and education.
- Assist in action planning following internal or external audits or inspections, ensuring that all areas of improvement are addressed.
- Stay informed about changes in legislation, best practices, and EYFS updates, ensuring that the nursery is always at the forefront of early years education.
Person Specification:
Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education (preferably a Level 5 or higher).
- At least 2-3 years of experience in a supervisory role within an early years setting.
- Strong working knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework and Ofsted inspection standards.
- Paediatric First Aid and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training or willingness to complete it.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support and motivate staff.
- In-depth understanding of child development and early years education.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build positive relationships with staff, parents, and external agencies.
- High levels of initiative, creativity, and problem-solving ability.
Additional Information:
- The role requires an enhanced DBS check and a commitment to
- safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and keeping up-to-date with early years legislation and best practice.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- High levels of care and education delivered in accordance with the EYFS framework.
- Positive outcomes in Ofsted inspections and internal audits.
- Strong staff retention and engagement.
- High levels of parent satisfaction and positive feedback.
- Compliance with safeguarding, health, and safety standards at all times.
Pay: £31,200.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee mentoring programme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you need sponsorship from us if you are selected for this job ?
Experience:
- Deputy Manager: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 in Early Years Education ( Level 5 or above) (preferred)
Work Location: In person
