Queens Nursery is looking for an outstanding Nursery Deputy Manager to join our excellent team.
Deputy Nursery Manager – Job Description
Purpose of the Role
The Deputy Nursery Manager plays a key leadership role in supporting the Nursery Manager in the effective day to day management and operation of the nursery. The Deputy Manager will help ensure the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding, compliance, and operational effectiveness are consistently maintained.
The Deputy Manager will act as a positive role model, inspiring staff to deliver outstanding practice while ensuring all children receive high-quality early education and care in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework.
The Deputy Manager will assume full responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager and will support the leadership team in driving continuous improvement across all aspects of nursery provision.
Leadership and Management Responsibilities
The Deputy Manager will:
- Support the Nursery Manager in the overall leadership, organisation, and management of the nursery.
- Lead by example and promote a culture of excellence, professionalism, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Support the implementation, monitoring, and review of nursery policies, procedures, and practices.
- Assist in maintaining compliance with all statutory requirements, including the EYFS Framework, Ofsted regulations, safeguarding legislation, and health and safety requirements.
- Take responsibility for the smooth day to day operation of the nursery and make appropriate decisions within delegated authority.
- Deputise fully for the Nursery Manager during periods of absence.
- Support quality improvement initiatives and contribute to nursery self-evaluation and development planning.
- Monitor practice throughout the nursery to ensure consistently high standards of care, learning, and professional conduct.
- Promote positive working relationships and effective communication across the staff team.
- Work in collaboration with other Nursery Managers in the company and the Nursery Director.
Quality of Education and Curriculum Leadership
The Deputy Manager will:
- Support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a high-quality curriculum that promotes children's learning and development.
- Ensure all staff understand and effectively implement the EYFS Framework.
- Monitor planning, observations, assessments, learning journals, and next step planning to ensure they are accurate, meaningful, and support children's progress.
- Support staff in providing engaging, stimulating, and inclusive learning environments.
- Ensure activities meet children's individual interests, developmental needs, and learning goals.
- Monitor the quality of teaching and interactions throughout the nursery.
- Support staff in identifying and addressing gaps in learning and development.
- Maintain responsibility for a designated key group of children and model exemplary key person practice.
- Have an understanding of the Ofsted toolkit and strive for exemplary practice.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
The Deputy Manager will:
- Promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture throughout the nursery.
- Ensure safeguarding and child protection procedures are understood and consistently followed by all staff.
- Be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in safeguarding responsibilities and assume delegated responsibilities when required.
- Maintain accurate safeguarding records and ensure concerns are reported promptly and appropriately.
- Keep up to date with relevant legislation, local safeguarding procedures, and best practice guidance.
- Support the delivery of safeguarding training and staff awareness initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with external agencies and professionals where appropriate.
Staff Leadership and Development
The Deputy Manager will:
- Support the recruitment, induction, mentoring, and retention of staff.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and professional support to practitioners, apprentices, students, and volunteers.
- Monitor staff performance and contribute to supervision meetings, appraisals, and professional development plans.
- Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative working culture.
- Assist in staff deployment to ensure appropriate adult-to-child ratios are maintained at all times.
- Encourage reflective practice and continuous professional development.
- Support the implementation of nursery improvement plans and organisational change initiatives.
- Attend regular team meetings and support the manager in leading the meetings for team development.
Health, Safety and Compliance
The Deputy Manager will:
- Promote a safe, secure, and healthy environment for children, staff, and visitors.
- Ensure risk assessments are completed, reviewed, and implemented effectively.
- Monitor health and safety procedures and report any concerns promptly.
- Ensure accidents, incidents, and medication records are completed accurately and in accordance with nursery procedures.
- Support infection prevention and control measures.
- Ensure appropriate first aid provision is maintained at all times.
- Monitor equipment, resources, and facilities to ensure they remain safe, fit for purpose, and compliant with relevant regulations.
- Ensure allergy procedures are followed at all times.
Parent and Family Partnerships
The Deputy Manager will:
- Build positive, professional, and trusting relationships with parents and carers.
- Support effective communication regarding children's learning, development, wellbeing, and progress.
- Assist in conducting parent consultations, open evenings, and nursery events.
- Support the admissions and enrolment process, including nursery tours for prospective families.
- Address parent queries and concerns professionally and sensitively.
- Promote parental involvement in children's learning and nursery life.
Operational Responsibilities
The Deputy Manager will:
- Assist in maintaining staffing levels and effective deployment of staff.
- Support the management of nursery resources and budgets where appropriate.
- Ensure nursery records and documentation are maintained accurately and confidentially.
- Support the management of occupancy, admissions, and transitions.
- Contribute to staff meetings and operational planning.
- Ensure security procedures are followed at all times.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and unforeseen operational challenges.
Professional Responsibilities
The Deputy Manager will:
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice.
- Act as an ambassador for the nursery and organisation.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role and responsibilities of Deputy Nursery Manager.
- Cook in the absence of a Nursery Chef.
Person Specification and Selection Criteria (Essential)
- Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (full and relevant).
- Significant experience working within an Early Years setting, with outstanding Deputy Manger experience.
- Sound knowledge of the EYFS Framework and safeguarding requirements.
- Experience of leading and supporting staff teams.
- Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to motivate, coach, and develop practitioners.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality childcare and education.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Enhanced DBS clearance and suitability to work with children.
- Exceptional room management of team members.
- A strong understanding of Equality and Diversity which relates children, team members and parents.
- At least 3 years as an outstanding Room Leader.
- Outstanding professional relationships with team members, children and parents.
- Experience knowledge and understanding of acting as DSL.
- An exceptional C.V and references.
- Exceptional conduct in the workplace.
- A 5 day 40 hours week between 7.15 and 6.30.
The Deputy Nursery Manager is required to uphold and promote the nursery's vision, values, and commitment to providing exceptional care and education for every child.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Childcare: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
