Deputy Nursery Manager in Cheltenham

Are you an experienced Early Years professional ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Do you have the passion, energy, and commitment to help create an exceptional learning environment where children thrive and staff feel supported to reach their full potential? Ashley Manor Preparatory School is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Deputy Nursery Manager to join our thriving Nursery team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious childcare professional to work closely with the Nursery Manager in leading a nurturing, high-quality setting where children are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

About Ashley Manor Preparatory: Ashley Manor Preparatory School is a vibrant and welcoming independent school where high expectations, strong pastoral care and a genuine sense of community underpin everything we do. We are proud of our warm and nurturing environment, where every child is known as an individual and encouraged to achieve their very best. Our Nursery provides a stimulating and engaging early years experience that supports children to flourish socially, emotionally and academically. We believe that outstanding early years education begins with exceptional staff, and we are committed to investing in the development and wellbeing of our team. Whether you are looking to further your leadership experience or develop your career within a supportive independent school environment, Ashley Manor offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and progression.

About the Position:

• Contract Type: Full-time, all year round
• Salary: Based on experience
• Start Date: August 2026

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the leadership and operational management of the Nursery. Working closely with the Nursery Manager, you will help ensure the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance are consistently maintained. This role offers the opportunity to combine hands-on practice with leadership responsibilities, making a real difference to both children’s outcomes and the development of the Nursery team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Nursery Manager in the effective day-to-day running of the Nursery.
• Promote a safe, caring, inclusive and stimulating environment where children can learn, develop and thrive.
• Lead by example, modelling outstanding Early Years practice and supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
• Assist with staff supervision, coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Support recruitment, induction, training and appraisal processes.
• Ensure compliance with EYFS requirements, safeguarding procedures and relevant statutory regulations.
• Build positive relationships with parents and carers, promoting strong partnerships between home and Nursery.
• Support planning, observations and assessments to ensure children make excellent progress.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records and preparing for inspections and audits.
• Act as a key person when required and contribute fully to the life of the Nursery.

What We Are Looking For:

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare.
• Previous experience working within an Early Years setting, ideally with supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• A strong understanding of the EYFS Framework, safeguarding requirements and statutory childcare regulations.
• The confidence and ability to motivate, support and develop a team.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• A positive, proactive and professional approach to problem-solving.
• A genuine passion for providing outstanding care and education for young children.
• The ability to remain calm, organised and effective in a busy environment.

Why Join Ashley Manor Preparatory School?

• We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and are committed to creating a supportive environment where colleagues can develop and succeed.
• Competitive remuneration package.
• Company pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Life assurance benefit worth three times annual salary.
• Free lunch provided during working days.
• Refer-a-friend scheme with financial reward.
• Wellbeing and wellness programme.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative, friendly and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing independent school group.

We look forward to welcoming you to Ashley Manor! Ashley Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, with costs covered by the company. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Working at Ashley Manor is a unique experience. Every day is a chance to inspire and shape young minds. Our small classes make our workload more manageable and allow us to provide a more personalised educational experience for each child.