Job Summary
Feltonfleet Enterprises is excited to present our newest early year’s provision opening in Autumn 2026, offering a vibrant, exciting and inspiring environment for girls and boys aged from 6 months to 4 years.
Our Nursery will be open from 7.30 am - 6.00 pm, 51 weeks a year to meet the needs of busy working parents.
Our approach is all about learning through play, following your child’s interests and using natural, authentic resources.
We are looking to recruit a Deputy Nursery Manager to support in the delivery of this vision and provide an exceptional level of care to all our Little Doves.
Role Purpose
The Deputy Nursery Manager will play a key role in the successful operation of the Nursery, supporting the Nursery Manager in delivering outstanding standards of care, learning and development for children aged 6 months to 4 years.
As a senior member of the Nursery leadership team, the Deputy Nursery Manager will help create a warm, nurturing and inspiring environment where children feel safe, secure and valued. They will lead by example, supporting colleagues in delivering exceptional early years practice whilst ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, welfare and regulatory compliance.
The Deputy Nursery Manager will have a strong presence within the Nursery rooms, providing practical leadership and support to staff, children and families. They will deputise for the Nursery Manager in their absence and contribute to the continued development and success of the Nursery.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new Nursery from its earliest stages and establish a provision that reflects the highest standards of care, professionalism and early years education.
Key areas of responsibility
Leadership & Management
- Support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day leadership and operation of the Nursery.
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead where required.
- Deputise for the Nursery Manager during periods of absence.
- Lead by example in promoting outstanding standards of childcare and professional practice.
- Support staff deployment to ensure appropriate staffing ratios are maintained at all times.
- Assist with staff induction, mentoring and development.
- Foster a positive, collaborative and supportive team culture.
- Contribute to the implementation of Nursery policies and procedures.
Childcare & Learning
- Ensure the highest standards of care for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.
- Support the delivery of a high-quality EYFS curriculum.
- Promote secure attachments and positive relationships between children and staff.
- Oversee age-appropriate routines including feeding, sleeping, personal care and transitions.
- Support key persons in planning engaging experiences that promote children's development.
- Monitor children's progress and contribute to assessments and observations.
- Ensure children's individual needs are recognised and supported.
- Promote learning through play, exploration and outdoor experiences.
Safeguarding, Welfare & Compliance
- Support the Nursery Manager in maintaining a safe, secure and welcoming environment.
- Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the Nursery.
- Ensure all safeguarding concerns are reported and managed appropriately.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety practice.
- Support compliance with EYFS requirements, Ofsted regulations and Nursery policies.
- Assist with audits, risk assessments and record-keeping.
Parent Partnerships
- Build strong and positive relationships with parents and carers.
- Act as a visible and approachable presence for families.
- Support effective communication regarding children's care, wellbeing and development.
- Assist in settling new children into the Nursery.
- Handle routine parental enquiries professionally and sensitively.
- Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families.
Nursery Growth & Admissions Support
- Support the Nursery Manager in welcoming prospective families to the Nursery.
- Assist with open events, stay-and-play sessions and promotional activities.
- Act as a positive ambassador for the Nursery and School.
- Help create an exceptional experience for current and prospective parents.
- Support initiatives designed to improve occupancy and family retention.
- Contribute ideas for enhancing the Nursery's reputation within the local community.
Operational Responsibilities
- Assist in maintaining accurate records and documentation.
- Support effective management of resources and equipment.
- Ensure Nursery rooms remain stimulating, well-organised and welcoming.
- Assist with rota management and day-to-day operational requirements.
- Support the efficient opening and closing of the Nursery.
Wider School Contribution
- Participate in School events and activities as appropriate.
- Support the integration of Nursery children into the wider School community where beneficial.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the School.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Head consistent with the level of the post.
Person Specification
Essential
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
- Qualification recognised by Ofsted and EYFS requirements.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Safeguarding training appropriate to the role.
- Significant experience working within an Early Years setting.
- Experience working with children aged 6 months to 4 years.
- Experience supporting babies and toddlers within a nursery environment.
- Experience leading or supervising colleagues.
- Experience building positive relationships with parents and carers.
- Experience implementing EYFS requirements and safeguarding procedures.
- Strong understanding of child development from infancy through to school readiness.
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS framework.
- Understanding of attachment theory and the developmental needs of babies and toddlers.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to lead and motivate colleagues through example.
- Commitment to high standards of care and education.
- Strong safeguarding awareness.
- Warm, nurturing and approachable.
- Calm and confident under pressure.
- Positive and solution-focused.
- Highly organised and reliable.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Committed to providing exceptional experiences for children and families.
- Passionate about Early Years education and care.
Desirable
- Level 5 qualification in Early Years or above.
- Experience in a leadership or deputy leadership role.
- Experience within an independent school nursery.
- Experience supporting occupancy growth and admissions activity.
- Experience of Ofsted inspections.
This role is ideal for a proactive professional committed to delivering exceptional childcare services while supporting team development. The Deputy Nursery Manager will play a vital part in maintaining the centre’s reputation for quality care and education.
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
