location: Preston Childsplay Day Nursery, PR1 5AR
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Salary: Competitive, depending on qualifications and experience
Contract: Permanent
Join Our Team
We are looking for a passionate, experienced, and motivated Deputy Nursery Manager to join our friendly and dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring early years professional who is committed to providing outstanding care and education for children while supporting the day-to-day leadership and management of our nursery.
Working alongside the Nursery Manager, you will help create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children can thrive, staff feel supported, and families receive the highest standard of care.
About the Role
As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will support the Nursery Manager in leading the nursery and ensuring the highest standards of childcare, safeguarding, and early years education are maintained at all times. You will act as the Nursery Manager in their absence and play a key role in motivating the team, maintaining compliance, and driving continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery.
- Lead, motivate, and support the nursery team to deliver exceptional childcare and education.
- Ensure full compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and all relevant legislation.
- Promote and maintain outstanding safeguarding practices.
- Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers, and external professionals.
- Support staff recruitment, induction, supervision, and performance management.
- Coach and mentor practitioners to support their professional development.
- Monitor the quality of teaching, learning, and children's development.
- Ensure children's observations, assessments, and learning journeys are completed to a high standard.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality at all times.
- Support occupancy, admissions, and parent engagement.
- Ensure the nursery environment is safe, clean, welcoming, and fully compliant with health and safety requirements.
- Assist with planning staff rotas and ensuring appropriate staffing ratios are maintained.
- Support preparation for inspections and quality improvement initiatives.
- Promote an inclusive environment where every child can reach their full potential.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
- Previous experience in a senior room leader, third in charge, deputy manager, or management role within an early years setting.
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and child development.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A genuine passion for supporting children to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Confidence using nursery management systems and maintaining accurate records.
Desirable:
- Level 5 qualification or above in Early Years or Leadership.
- Experience supporting Ofsted inspections.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding Lead training.
- Food Hygiene and Health & Safety qualifications.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Ongoing training and CPD.
- Supportive and friendly working environment.
- Pension scheme.
- Employee wellbeing support.
- Staff recognition and reward programmes.
- Uniform provided.
- Company events and team-building activities.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, provide suitable references, and undergo all safer recruitment checks before employment begins.
Equality and Diversity
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
If you are an enthusiastic and dedicated early years professional looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to [email protected]
Pay: £14.10 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
