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- Tasks: Support the Nursery Manager in leadership and ensure high-quality curriculum delivery.
- Company: Join a nurturing nursery committed to child development and staff growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and positive parent engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Educator required; mentoring experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead) reports to the Nursery Manager and has direct reports including Key Teachers, Senior Assistants, and Assistants (when delegated). The role supports the Nursery Manager with site leadership, curriculum quality, and compliance.
Role Summary
The Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead) is the second-in-command at the nursery, responsible for supporting the Nursery Manager in site leadership, team development, and operational delivery. As Curriculum Lead, the Deputy Manager ensures the curriculum is implemented to the highest standards, aligned with Abacus Ark’s pedagogical principles: Walking in the Shoes of the Child, Purpose-Driven Environments, Dynamic and Responsive Curriculum, Teachers as Facilitators, and Education as Shared Responsibility. The Deputy Manager plays a pivotal role in mentoring staff, overseeing observations and assessments, and ensuring every child receives high-quality learning and care experiences. They step up as Acting Manager in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Operational Support
- Act as second-in-command, deputising for the Nursery Manager when required.
- Support in delivering site KPIs, including occupancy, staffing ratios, and compliance.
- Lead on day-to-day staff support, room coverage, and operational problem-solving.
- Curriculum Implementation & Quality Assurance
- Ensure curriculum planning and delivery meet Abacus Ark’s pedagogical principles.
- Oversee observations, assessments, and planning to ensure all children are supported to achieve their developmental goals.
- Maintain high standards of learning environments across all rooms.
- Staff Development & Mentoring
- Act as a coach and mentor for Key Teachers and Assistants, modelling best practice.
- Support staff with planning, observations, and teaching strategies.
- Contribute to staff induction and ongoing professional development.
- Compliance & Safeguarding
- Support the Nursery Manager in ensuring full compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards.
- Maintain accurate records of curriculum delivery, observations, and children’s progress.
- Ensure that all staff understand and follow safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements.
- Parent Partnerships
- Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication, feedback, and meetings.
- Support the Nursery Manager with parent engagement events, settling-in processes, and feedback reviews.
Success Indicators
- Curriculum delivery meets Abacus Ark pedagogical standards.
- Observations and assessments completed to required timelines and quality.
- Staff demonstrate strong teaching practice and continuous professional growth.
- Positive feedback from parents on communication and learning progress.
- Nursery achieves or maintains Good/Outstanding Ofsted ratings.
Professional Requirements
- Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum); Level 5 or above preferred.
- Strong understanding of EYFS, curriculum planning, and child development.
- Experience in mentoring staff and supporting team development.
- Good knowledge of Ofsted and safeguarding requirements.
- Ability to lead in the Manager’s absence.
Nursery Deputy Manager in London employer: Abacus Ark Nursery Schools
Contact Detail:
Abacus Ark Nursery Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Deputy Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Deputy Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare examples of how you've implemented curriculum changes or mentored staff in previous roles. We want to see your passion for child development and how you can lead a team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the nursery! Familiarise yourself with Abacus Ark’s pedagogical principles and think about how you can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Deputy Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've implemented curriculum principles in your previous roles and how you can bring that passion to our nursery.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and success indicators mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in mentoring staff and ensuring compliance with EYFS and Ofsted standards, as these are crucial for us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that showcases your qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abacus Ark Nursery Schools
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Abacus Ark’s pedagogical principles. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your role as Deputy Manager, especially focusing on the Dynamic and Responsive Curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored staff in the past. Highlight your experience in operational problem-solving and how you’ve supported staff development to ensure high-quality learning environments.
✨Understand Compliance and Safeguarding
Brush up on EYFS and Ofsted requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain accurate records, as well as how you would support the Nursery Manager in safeguarding practices.
✨Engage with Parent Partnerships
Think about ways you can build strong relationships with parents. Prepare to share your ideas on effective communication and how you would involve parents in their children's learning journey.