Early Years Deputy Manager

An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen at Homeland Day Nursery based in Altrincham We are looking for a qualified Early Years Deputy Manager to join our management team on a full-time permanent basis. The nursery has an outstanding reputation in the local community, is proud to have received Ofsted OUTSTANDING and is in a prime location in Altrincham, Cheshire with excellent commuter links with both bus and train services within close walking distance.

With a long-standing nursery team at the setting, we are seeking a passionate individual who shares our commitment to providing better outcomes for children. The ideal candidate will bring a sense of awe and wonder, creating a fun and magical experience for the children, while effectively leading, directing, and supporting a large staff team alongside the Nursery Manager and Directors. You will play a vital role in supporting the wider team and colleagues in their early years working roles, ensuring a collaborative and supportive environment.

The Atherton House Nursery Group is proudly run by family Directors; Alice, Tim and George with five settings across the North-West in Hale, Altrincham, Lymm and Crosby (Liverpool). The Apel family are dedicated to running nurseries individually, which directly impacts the homely environment you’ll find when walking into one of the nurseries. The children are central to everything we do, and it is an honour to see them blossom.

We are looking for someone who can:

* Support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the nursery.

* Lead specific education-based training programs to empower and support practitioners in their understanding and career development.

* Working with the current management team to review and work on action plans to improve and drive the setting forward to improve both the children’s environment and the standards of teaching and learning.

* Oversee and coordinate stimulating and inspiring activities for children across the nursery.

* Monitor and support the development of learning environments, both indoors and outdoors.

* Utilise eyLog (our online nursery software) to monitor the progress and outcomes of children and report on educational progress to the Nursery Manager and Directors.

* Work closely with families to establish and maintain a strong partnership.

* Collaborate with the Local Authority and external agencies to support the setting.

* Assist in monitoring staff performance across the entire nursery.

* Assist with the recruitment and induction of new staff members.

The ideal candidate must have:

* A full and relevant Level 3 qualification in childcare/early years education. Higher qualifications such as EYT/EYP would be advantageous, but not essential.

* Minimum of 3 years of childcare experience.

* Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience.

* Experience working in a Montessori setting is desirable.

* Up-to-date knowledge of statutory legislation and a broad and deep understanding of EYFS across all age groups.

* Excellent knowledge and understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures.

* Previous experience in a SENDCo role desirable but not essential.

* The ability to demonstrate a can-do attitude with a strong commitment to creating a brilliant experience for our children.

* Ability to work effectively alongside the Nursery Manager and Directors.

* Desire to further own expertise, taking up training opportunities and professional development as required.

Salary: from £28,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Altrincham, Cheshire
Interview: Interviews expected to be held during November 2025, with flexible times possible to work around current commitments

Benefits of working for us:

* We place a huge emphasis on wellbeing, with access to the BUPA helpline

* Free DBS

* Regular team treats

* Opportunities to gain further qualifications

* Holiday entitlement that increases with service

* Annual staff BBQ with free bar and Christmas night out.

* Dress down Friday every week

* Competitive salary from £28,000 per annum based on full-time 40 hours working week (dependent on qualifications and experience), with an annual pay review

* Rewards and recognition gifts for performance

* Excellent in-house training and career progression opportunities

Except for occasional training you are not required to work evening or weekends. The setting is closed on all bank holidays, we also do not open on Christmas Eve The nursery closes over Christmas until the first working day in the New Year