Deputy Nursery Manager

• Support the Nursery Manager: Be the right-hand support for our Nursery Manager, helping to ensure the smooth running of the nursery
• Be responsible for planning and logistics, including the pattern of the day routine
• Create and maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone plays as a team and can achieve their full potential
• Be the marketing point of contact, responsible for photo permissions, weekly newsletters and photo uploads
• Support with staff rotas and rooming
• Cover lunchtimes where needed
• Have oversight over allergens and medications
• Lead by Example: Lead by example, modelling outstanding care and education
• Be a role model for exceptionally high standards, never cutting corners, thriving on feedback, and leading excellence
• Implement our Inspiring Curriculum: Plan and implement exciting activities that promote learning through play
• Enhance our curriculum by keeping up to date with the latest early years education research and best practices
• Contribute to the development of the physical environment in the nursery, including the planning for equipment and resources
• Be the curriculum & care lead for U3’s
• Relationships with Parents: Ensure effective monitoring and tracking of children’s learning, and effective reporting to parents
• Play a key role in welcoming families to Heathcote House Nursery, from conducting parent tours to assisting with open events and running ‘stay and play’ sessions
• Contribute to the nursery newsletter, submitting highlights of the week in nursery together with any relevant notices for parents
• Compliance and Safety: Support the Nursery Manager in managing sufficient ratios and rotas, and organising cover when required
• Ensure that our high standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the day
• Be an active role in managing Safeguarding within the nursery, potentially taking on the role of Designated Deputy Safeguarding Lead. Supporting with referrals, accidents & incidents
• Ensure the Nursery meets all statutory requirements and maintains high standards of care and education as set by Ofsted.
• Support with daily risk assessments, health and safety, EYFS statutory requirements and the overall quality of education
• Assist with maintaining and critically assessing all policies, procedures and practice
• Working with the Team: Assist in leading the nursery staff team, ensuing the happiness, wellbeing and professional development of all
• Take a lead role in training and mentoring apprentices
• Provide ongoing training and support to nursery staff to ensure high-quality teaching practices, (noodle now, first aid)
• Liaise with the nursery’s SENCO regarding any children with specific needs
• Supporting the nursery staff team with observations and assessments to ensure individual learning needs are met
• Respect and value all team members, children and parents, encouraging a positive working environment
• Promote professional development by providing regular feedback, guidance and learning opportunities
• Assist in personnel and staffing procedures and issues, including carrying out interviews for new staff, return to work interviews, one-to-one meetings, disciplinaries etc

• NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3, or equivalent (essential)
• 2 years experience in a leadership role within nurseries
• A confident and sensitive communicator with both adults and children
• A focus on delivering high-quality childcare and early education
• A positive, hard-working, can-do attitude

An ability and interest in teaching outdoors (gardening, wildlife, adventure) is beneficial

• 5% employer pension
• Cycle to work and shopping discounts
• 50% fee discount for the sessions your child attends on the days you work in the nursery
• Access to the group’s counselling scheme
• 3 x days of paid CPD / training per year
• 20 days holiday per year, rising by one day a year to a maximum of 25, for every year of employment
• Paid bank holidays off plus Christmas closure
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships, up to L5
• Extra day off for birthday
• Staff uniform provided