At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new nursery, support daily operations, and inspire a dedicated team.
- Company: Bright Little Stars, a growing nursery group with a child-centred philosophy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with excellent perks and internal promotion opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a brand-new nursery and make a lasting impact on children and families.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience managing a team.
The predicted salary is between 25688 - 29000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Nursery Deputy Manager.
Salary: Base £38,105 + up to 10% performance bonus (OTE up to £41,915)
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week | Monday to Friday | 50 weeks per year
Start date: September 2026 (brand-new nursery opening)
Location: Hornsey N8 – Hornsey station (direct to King’s Cross in 20 mins) and Turnpike Lane Tube nearby.
Be Part of Something Brand New
Bright Little Stars is opening its 7th nursery in Hornsey in November 2026 — a brand-new 66-place setting — and we’re looking for an exceptional Deputy Nursery Manager to help lead it from day one. Since 2013, we’ve grown from one nursery to six outstanding settings, built on a simple but powerful philosophy: a child-centred environment, a warm family-like community, and the belief that every child can reach their full potential when surrounded by truth, love and compassion. This is a rare opportunity to step into a key leadership role where your ideas, passion and experience will help shape a new nursery, inspire a new team and make a lasting impact on children and families in the Hornsey community.
The Role
Working closely with the Nursery Manager, you’ll support the smooth day-to-day operations of the nursery, lead a dedicated team across our classrooms, and play a key role in the growth and development of every child. You’ll help ensure a nurturing, stimulating and high-quality learning environment for children, families and staff alike.
What We’re Looking For
- Level 3 or above Early Years qualification (essential)
- Previous experience managing a team within a large early years setting
- Strong understanding of child development, safeguarding and early years legislation
- Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
- Passion for delivering outstanding childcare and early years education
- A positive, proactive and inspiring attitude
Why Bright Little Stars? Our Benefits Package
Pay & Bonus
- Competitive base salary with annual salary review
- Up to 10% annual performance bonus
- Additional bonus rewards for support during Ofsted inspections and pilot schemes
Leave & Flexibility
- Up to 33 days annual leave (20 days holiday + up to 3 days Christmas closure + 8 bank holidays + 1 birthday day + 1 bonus day) — increasing with service
- Option to carry over up to 5 annual leave days per year
Career Development
- Personalised Career Academy CPD Plan supporting your professional growth and long-term progression
- Support for higher-level qualifications through the BLS Staff Development Programme with paid study days
- Genuine internal promotion opportunities across our growing group
- Two Deputy Conferences per year plus additional internal and external training throughout the year
Wellbeing & Support
- Up to 5 days sick pay from Year 1 (increasing with service)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free wholesome hot lunches in the staff room daily
Perks & Recognition
- 40% staff childcare discount and salary sacrifice scheme
- Free parking available
- Free uniform and Welcome Gift Bag
- Employee of the Month prize
- Generous long service reward scheme
- Complimentary team building activities and annual group Christmas Ball
- Workplace pension with employer contribution of up to 3%
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your early years leadership career and join a nursery group that truly values its people, community and children — we’d love to hear from you. Apply directly through Indeed, or send your CV to: headofficerecruitment@brightlittlestars.com
Bright Little Stars is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Nursery Deputy Manager - 10 % Performance Bonus employer: Bright Little Stars
Bright Little Stars is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive work environment in the heart of Hornsey. With a strong focus on employee growth through personalised CPD plans and genuine promotion opportunities, staff enjoy competitive salaries, generous leave, and a vibrant community culture that values every team member's contributions. Join us in shaping a brand-new nursery where your passion for early years education can truly make a difference.
