Deputy Manager – Bloomfield Childcare, West Linton
Location: West Linton, Scottish Borders
Position: Deputy Manager (Early Learning and Childcare)
Hours: Full Time (40 hours per week – Monday to Friday)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on qualifications and experience
Responsible to: Nursery Manager and Operations Manager
About Bloomfield Childcare
Bloomfield Childcare is a nurturing, child-centred early learning and childcare service committed to providing high-quality care and learning experiences for children and families in West Linton. We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and inspirational Deputy Manager to support the leadership of our setting and help drive continuous improvement in line with Scottish Government policy, Care Inspectorate expectations, and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) requirements.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early years professional who is passionate about children's rights, play-based learning, leadership, and delivering excellence in early learning and childcare.
The Role
As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Head of Service to provide effective leadership across the service. You will support the development of a high-performing team, ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, and promote a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.
You will play a key role in ensuring children experience high-quality learning and care in line with:
- The Scottish Government's Early Learning and Childcare National Standard
- Realising the Ambition: Being Me
- Curriculum for Excellence – Early Level
- Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
- The Health and Social Care Standards
- SSSC Codes of Practice
- Care Inspectorate Quality Frameworks
The successful candidate will lead by example, supporting practitioners to create inclusive, responsive and inspiring learning environments where every child can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day leadership and management of the nursery.
- Deputise for the Head of Service in their absence.
- Lead and mentor staff through effective supervision, coaching and professional development.
- Promote high-quality interactions and child-centred practice.
- Support self-evaluation and quality improvement planning.
- Ensure safeguarding and child protection procedures are implemented effectively.
- Build positive partnerships with families and external agencies.
- Support workforce planning, recruitment, induction and staff development.
- Maintain compliance with Care Inspectorate, SSSC and statutory requirements.
- Promote children's rights, wellbeing, inclusion and equality.
Essential Qualifications and Registration
Applicants must meet, or be working towards meeting, current SSSC registration requirements for leadership roles within Day Care of Children Services.
Essential:
- Registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), or eligibility for registration.
- A recognised practitioner qualification at SCQF Level 7 (or equivalent).
- A recognised Childhood Practice qualification at SCQF Level 9, or be working towards a recognised Childhood Practice award accepted by the SSSC.
- Significant experience within an early learning and childcare setting.
- Experience of supporting or leading staff teams.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent understanding of child development and early years pedagogy.
- Knowledge of current Scottish early years policy and practice.
- Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
- Experience of quality assurance and improvement planning.
- Commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional learning.
- Ability to inspire, motivate and support others.
Desirable
- Experience in a senior practitioner, room leader or deputy manager role.
- Training in child protection, additional support needs, or leadership and management.
- Experience of Care Inspectorate inspections and quality frameworks.
- Understanding of Funding Follows the Child and the National Standard.
What We Offer
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Ongoing training and support towards further qualifications where required.
- A welcoming community-focused setting in the heart of West Linton.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's lives and learning.
Safeguarding
Bloomfield Childcare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undertake PVG membership and meet all safer recruitment requirements.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A current CV
- A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and how your experience aligns with the Scottish Standards for Childhood Practice and current Early Learning and Childcare guidance.
Closing Date: 17th July 2026
Pay: £27,000.00-£31,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
