Deputy Nursery Manager

Humber Recruitment are resourcing a Deputy Nursery Manager for a brand-new Nursery and a new client of ours in Grimsby, on a full-time basis.

Reports to: Nursery Manager / Director
Salary – Starting at £29,000 per annum – Review of salaries as nursery expands
Hours: Full Time – 40 hours per week, flexible shifts between 7:00am – 6:00pm

Role Purpose

The Deputy Nursery Manager supports the Nursery Manager and Directors in providing professional, effective leadership and management of the nursery. The role ensures that children receive the highest standards of care, learning, and safeguarding, in line with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and Little Teddies Group policies.

In the absence of the Nursery Manager, the Deputy Nursery Manager assumes full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the setting.

Little Teddies Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and their families. All staff must share this commitment and actively promote a strong safeguarding culture.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Management

• Support the overall day-to-day management of the nursery.
• Assist with staff deployment, ensuring statutory ratios are met at all times.
• Lead staff briefings, handovers, and operational meetings as required.
• Oversee room practice to ensure high-quality provision and consistency across the setting.
• Ensure nursery policies and procedures are implemented consistently.
• Work collaboratively with the Nursery Manager and Directors in all aspects of nursery operations.
• Maintain positive working relationships across the Little Teddies Group nurseries.

Quality of Education & EYFS Practice

• Promote high standards of quality in the environment, resources, and learning experiences.
• Ensure all children receive rich, stimulating experiences appropriate to their age and stage of development.
• Ensure practice meets the requirements of the EYFS and Ofsted.
• Oversee weekly planning to ensure it is shared across staff on a rota basis and supported where required.
• Monitor observations, assessments, and planning to ensure accuracy and impact on children’s progress.
• Support reflective practice and contribute to the Quality Improvement Plan.

Safeguarding & Welfare (Deputy DSL)

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Support safeguarding case management and reporting procedures.
• Ensure staff understand and follow safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Promote a vigilant safeguarding culture across the setting.
• Ensure the welfare, safety, and well-being of all children is prioritised at all times.
• Act immediately and appropriately on any safeguarding or child protection concerns.

Staff Management, Development & Compliance

• Support safer recruitment, induction, probation, and performance management processes.
• Assist with staff supervisions, appraisals, and objective setting.
• Mentor, coach, and support Room Leaders and practitioners.
• Conduct peer observations and learning walks to improve practice.
• Monitor staff training and ensure mandatory training is kept up to date.
• Support staff wellbeing, absence monitoring, and professional conduct.
• Ensure staff, including the Early Years SENCO, are supported to carry out their roles effectively.

Record Keeping & Administration

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records are maintained, including:
  • Attendance registers
  • Accident and incident records
  • Children’s learning and development records
  • Safeguarding documentation
  • Supervision and performance records
• Support administrative duties such as ordering equipment, maintaining inventories, and managing personnel records.
• Ensure diversity, equality, and inclusion policies are consistently applied.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure the nursery is a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, health and safety.
• Ensure equipment is safe, and safety procedures are followed at all times.
• Ensure fire drills and health and safety checks are carried out and recorded regularly.

Partnership with Parents & Carers

• Build positive relationships with parents and carers.
• Share information regarding the nursery curriculum and children’s progress.
• Encourage parental involvement and effective communication.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Full and relevant Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above.
• Experience working in a busy early years setting in a leadership role (e.g. Room Leader, Senior Practitioner, Deputy Manager).
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and welfare requirements.
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training or willingness to undertake.
• Ability to lead, coach, and mentor staff effectively.
• Strong organisational, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Professional, consistent, and solution-focused approach.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting inspections and quality improvement processes.
• Experience contributing to staff performance management systems.

Additional Information

This job description is not exhaustive. The post holder is expected to be flexible and adaptable and undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by management.

To apply for the position, click the apply button below or at the top of the page and complete the form. For more information on the role, call our team on 01472 729768 and we will be happy to assist. You can visit our jobs page to see our full list of available vacancies.

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