Job Description: Deputy Nursery Manager

Role Overview
The Deputy Nursery Manager supports the operational and pedagogical aspects of the nursery. This role involves assisting in managing daily operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering a nurturing environment for children. The Deputy Nursery Manager works closely with the Nursery Manager to implement a high-quality, immersive curriculum that aligns with the nursery’s ethos. Additionally, the role includes supporting staff development and parent engagement while maintaining high standards of childcare and education.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Leadership and Management

• Support the Nursery Manager in overseeing daily operations, ensuring efficiency and safety.
• Assist in supervising and developing nursery staff, including training and professional development.
• Ensure adherence to HR policies and procedures.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, and hygiene within their classroom and the nursery as a whole
• Communicate concerns and complaints from the staff and parents with the manager in a timely manner and support effective resolutions. 
• Step in as Acting Manager in the absence of Nursery Manager with support from Operations Director. 

Pedagogy and Curriculum Development

• Act as a room leader and lead the team to pedagogical excellence
• Hold key persons responsibilities and support effective nursery to parent communications
• Assist in implementing an engaging curriculum aligned with the nursery’s educational model.
• Work with Room Leaders and other staff to support lesson planning and learning activities.
• Stay updated on early years pedagogy and incorporate best practices as directed.
• Aspire to deliver and support the staff in the delivery of high-quality enrichment activities and language immersion.
• Work closely with the SEND Coordinator and other specialists to support children with additional needs.

Childcare and Development

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), ensuring child safety and welfare.
• Monitor children’s progress and identify additional needs as well as support the staff in gaining confidence in the same processes.
• Maintain a nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory frameworks, including EYFS and safeguarding guidelines are fully implemented by themselves and the staff.
• Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, and quality assurance checks for their own classroom and the nursery as whole through room/staff meetings, peer on peer assessments, room evaluations.
• Maintain accurate records, including child observations, incidents, and compliance logs.
• Support the Nursery Manager in preparing for inspections.

Parent Engagement

• Act as a point of contact for parents, ensuring open communication and a welcoming environment wherever needed and in absence of a manager.
• Assist in organising parent meetings and events to encourage engagement.
• Provide, attend and organize regular, high-quality feedback on children’s progress.

Marketing and Community Engagement

• Support marketing initiatives to attract new families and promote the nursery.
• Contribute to digital communication, newsletters, and social media presence.
• Assist in planning open days and community events.
• Build relationships with local businesses and early childhood professionals.

Business Management

• Support financial management by monitoring staffing, resource, and material costs.

Excellent communication and conflict management skills; teamwork and organisational skills with the ability to support and motivate a team. Problem solving driven and aspiring for outstanding practice. 

Strong understanding of EYFS, child development, and safeguarding practices.

Minimum of 2 years in a nursery setting

Organisational Excellence: Proficient in administrative tasks, time management, and resource planning.