Hours: 38 hours per week over 4 days — 19 hours as Deputy Manager (out of ratio) + 19 hours as Early Years Practitioner (in ratio)
Schedule: Fixed 4-day working week with a guaranteed day off
Qualification: Full and Relevant UK Early Years Qualification essential
Experience: Proven childcare/nursery experience essential; previous supervisory or management experience highly desirable
Safeguarding: Strong understanding of safeguarding, EYFS and early years requirements essential
Driving Licence: Preferred, but not essential
DBS: Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory professional references required
About the Role
Hummingbird Preschool is looking for a dedicated and experienced Early Years Deputy Manager to support the Nursery Manager with the leadership and day-to-day running of our setting.
This is a varied, hands-on role combining leadership and management responsibilities with direct childcare. Your working week will be split equally between 19 hours as Deputy Manager, working out of ratio, and 19 hours as an Early Years Practitioner, working in ratio.
The successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, develop and thrive. You will support the Nursery Manager in leading the team, maintaining high standards of care and education, and ensuring the setting operates effectively and in line with all relevant requirements.
You will also take responsibility for the setting in the absence of the Nursery Manager, so confidence, sound judgement and strong leadership skills are essential.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Management
- Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day operation and leadership of the setting
- Take overall responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager
- Supervise, support and motivate the nursery team
- Provide guidance, mentoring and leadership to staff
- Help maintain a positive, collaborative and professional team environment
- Assist with staff recruitment, training and performance management
- Support the implementation and review of nursery policies and procedures
Early Years Practice
- Work directly with children as an Early Years Practitioner for 19 hours per week
- Support the planning and delivery of engaging, age-appropriate activities
- Promote children's development across all areas of learning
- Maintain high standards of early years education and care
- Ensure children's individual needs are recognised and supported
- Maintain accurate records of children's development, attendance and other required documentation
Safeguarding, Welfare & Compliance
- Ensure the safety and wellbeing of children is prioritised at all times
- Implement and promote effective safeguarding procedures
- Support compliance with the EYFS and all relevant regulatory requirements
- Contribute to effective health & safety, equality and diversity, and behaviour management practices
- Identify and appropriately respond to concerns relating to children's welfare
- Work collaboratively with external agencies where required
Parents & Communication
- Build positive and professional relationships with parents and carers
- Communicate clearly about children's development, progress and wellbeing
- Respond professionally and appropriately to questions or concerns
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and external professionals
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Qualified with a Full and Relevant UK Early Years Qualification
- Experienced working with children in a nursery or early years setting
- Ideally experienced in a supervisory or management role within early years
- Knowledgeable about the EYFS and early years regulatory requirements
- A confident and supportive leader who can motivate and develop others
- Highly organised, reliable and able to use initiative
- Calm and confident when making decisions and managing day-to-day challenges
- A strong communicator with excellent written and spoken English
- Passionate about providing high-quality childcare and supporting children's development
- Able to work effectively with colleagues, parents, carers and external agencies
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare
A valid driving licence is preferred, particularly for travel between settings or community engagement activities, but is not essential.
What We OfferFull-Time Hours Across Just 4 Days
Enjoy a fixed 4-day working week, with a guaranteed day off.
Transparent Salary
Clear salary structure with increments available for degrees and additional responsibilities.
Wellbeing Focus
- Three paid breaks per day
- Private health insurance scheme available after 2 years' service
Rewards & Benefits
- Annual bonus scheme of up to £500
- Paid sick leave
- Supportive team environment
- Opportunities for continued professional development and career progression
Safeguarding
Hummingbird Preschool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory professional references.
Apply Today
If you are an experienced early years professional looking to take the next step in your career and want to combine leadership responsibilities with hands-on childcare, we would love to hear from you.
Join Hummingbird Preschool and be part of a setting where children's welfare, development and happiness are at the heart of everything we do.
Hummingbird Preschool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory professional references.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £30,250.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- What is the highest Early Years qualification you hold?
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
