Deputy Nursery Manager in Buxton

We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Deputy Manager to join our early years setting in Buxton, Derbyshire. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to take their next step in an Early Years career. You may already be a deputy manager, room leader or ready for progression.

Your role will be to support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the setting, advising and supporting staff to ensure high standards of care, learning and development in line with EYFS standards. Safeguarding and SEN inclusion knowledge is essential as you will be a DSL and support SENCO when required. Ability to work as part of a team is also essential, along with a positive, enthusiastic manner to maintain a caring, supportive environment.

As our Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll play a vital hands-on role in supporting daily operations while also leading by example within the nursery rooms. This is a fantastic opportunity to balance administrative responsibilities with room leadership. We are looking for someone who is passionate, organised, calm under pressure, and able to lead the team with a clear vision of best practice. Hours can have some flexibility as you would be supernumerary (not counted on ratios).

How you’ll make a difference as a Deputy Manager:

• Work alongside the manager to help with all areas of running the nursery, ensuring everything runs smoothly day to day.
• Guide and support the nursery team, keeping children safe at all times and bringing the EYFS to life in a fun, engaging way that meets all requirements.
• Lead, inspire and motivate practitioners.
• Act as a role model ensuring all rooms are delivering high-quality practice aligned with the EYFS.
• Carry out key administrative tasks including both written and IT documentation, compliance and record keeping.
• Support with day-to-day nursery operations including room organisation and general coordination.
• Build a warm, trusting relationship with children, families and staff.
• Play an active role in sharing our ethos of being a caring, nurturing nursery with families and children at the heart of what we do.
• Help drive continuous improvement and maintain high standards across the setting.
• Be organised and lead with consistency to support others.

What We’re Looking For:

• A qualified and experienced early years leader (Level 3 or above in recognised early years qualification).
• Strong ability to lead, motivate and inspire a team.
• A confident educator with a passion for child development.
• Support the delivery of high-quality education in line with the EYFS framework.
• Someone excited to be involved in our Early Years Setting and integral in maintaining a high standard of provision in line with ever-changing EYFS guidance.
• An effective communicator who can build strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and staff.
• A positive and motivated leader who is comfortable balancing support on the floor along with administrative duties.
• Help drive continuous improvement and maintain high standards across the setting.
• Be organised and lead with consistency to support others.

It would be Desirable if you have:

• Additional qualifications and experience.
• Additional SENCO qualification/Training with experience of making referrals to outside agencies and creating graduated response plans.
• Current Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding training and a DBS on the update service.
• Experience using online learning journals (e.g. Tapestry).

Benefits:

• Company pension.
• Potentially flexible working hours.
• Free parking.