Deputy Nursery Manager

Company Overview

Little Adventurers Nursery strives to be outstanding throughout all areas of our nursery operations, focusing on the learning and wellbeing of each child. We provide a nurturing environment where children feel loved and supported as they grow.

Summary

Join Our Team and Help Shape the Future of Early Years Education

We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated and experienced Deputy Manager to join our nursery, caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed professional who is passionate about delivering high-quality education and care, and who thrives in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

About the Role

As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager to lead and inspire our staff team, ensuring that every child receives rich, stimulating, and age-appropriate learning experiences. You will act as a key holder and share responsibility for ensuring the nursery is always well-led, safe, welcoming, and meeting the highest standards of practice.

This is a full-time, office-based role (40 hours), with flexibility required to cover early/late shifts between 7:15am and 6:15pm, Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Manager in the day-to-day leadership, management, and smooth running of the nursery.
• Ensure high-quality learning environments and experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and ensure staff follow safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Supervise, coach, and inspire staff, supporting their ongoing professional development.
• Lead on Health & Safety, maintaining safe environments, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance.
• Support curriculum implementation, Ofsted readiness and continuous quality improvement.
• Act as Staff Wellbeing Ambassador, promoting a positive, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Build strong, positive relationships with parents, carers and the wider community.
• Assist with administration, record keeping, staff inductions, recruitment and training.
• Take responsibility for the nursery when the manager is absent, including acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

What We're Looking For:

• A passionate, confident and experienced leader in Early Years education.
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (Level 5+ desirable).
• Strong working knowledge of the EYFS, Safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Previous experience supervising or managing staff in an Early Years setting.
• Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills.
• Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding training (or willingness to update).
• Ability to model outstanding practice and support others to grow.
• IT confident, with experience using digital nursery systems (preferred).

Why Join Us?

• Supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and positive workplace culture.
• Opportunities for training, development and career progression.
• The chance to make a real and lasting impact on children's lives and early learning.
• Career progression pathways
• Discounted childcare fees (subject to availability)
• Complimentary staff events & restaurant vouchers
• Annual Staff Awards Ceremony
• Team-building activities
• Staff Wellbeing Programme

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. As part of this commitment, all applicants will be subject to vetting and safeguarding procedures prior to appointment. This includes, but is not limited to, enhanced DBS checks, verification of qualifications, reference checks, and confirmation of identity.

The role also carries specific safeguarding responsibilities, as outlined in the job description and person specification, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold and actively promote these at all times.

All shortlisted candidates will receive a job description, a person specification, an equal opportunities monitoring form, and a request for identification.

For a preview of our wonderful nursery, please visit our Facebook page or website.

Ready to Apply?

If you are passionate about early years education and want to inspire and lead others while helping children flourish, we would love to hear from you

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £31,000.00-£34,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person