Room-Based Deputy Manager (Caversham) in London

As a Room-Based Deputy Manager (RBDM), you will support the nursery management in the day-to-day running of the nursery. You will work alongside management and the wider team to plan and deliver the highest standards of care and education, as detailed in the childcare audit and OFSTED inspections. Flexibility is essential, as you may be required to work across different rooms and settings when needed. You will also act as a key person to a small group of children, ensuring their individual needs are met and their development is regularly observed, assessed, and supported. You will maintain up-to-date learning journals on Tapestry and ensure smooth handovers where needed. Working proactively with the manager, deputy manager, and room leaders, you will help promote a positive and healthy team culture while inspiring others to excel. You’ll play a role in supporting children’s progress and identifying when additional learning support or an individual education plan (IEP) is needed. You’ll support your fellow key persons to maintain high-quality care, and have an overall understanding of each child’s development in your room to effectively support colleagues and communicate with parents/guardians. Additionally, you may be expected to assist with planning, monitoring, reviews, budgeting, administration, marketing, and to provide support at other settings or drop-in centres as required.

KEY DUTIES

• Ensure all children are safe and engaged in stimulating, age-appropriate play and learning activities.
• Manage the daily operation of your room, supporting other nursery services as needed.
• Assist management in maintaining compliance with regulatory, safeguarding, and health and safety requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the team to deliver high-quality care and education in line with EYFS and Ofsted standards.
• Build strong relationships with parents to support children’s development and wellbeing.
• Be flexible to support activities and services across other settings, including clubs and events.
• Promote the nursery’s vision with a focus on children’s progress and achievement.
• Plan and prepare stimulating environments that reflect children’s interests and cultural backgrounds.
• Act as a key person for a small group of children, tracking their progress and meeting individual needs.
• Maintain up-to-date observations, assessments, and learning journals to support children’s development.
• Collaborate with colleagues, professionals, and schools to support children and ensure smooth transitions.
• Conduct daily risk assessments and ensure all areas are safe and tidy.
• Maintain high standards of care, including dietary and personal care needs.
• Assist with preparing and serving meals/snacks following hygiene guidelines.
• Handle enquiries and visitors professionally.

Room Leadership

• Ensure all children receive rich, stimulating experiences tailored to their age and development stage.
• Lead the team in implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework effectively.
• Maintain accurate and concise records of children’s achievements, progress, and identified targets to support ongoing development.
• Document observations of each child’s progress, highlighting achievements and next steps.
• Follow the staff rota and lunch break schedule to ensure fair coverage and prevent understaffing.
• Allocate regular time weekly to update learning journals and developmental records.
• Promote the nursery’s services and support marketing and community outreach activities.

Finance

• Support the management by ensuring all relevant data such as: administrative, finance and information relevant to parents are collated on a daily basis.
• Identify efficiencies to ensure expenses are kept to a minimal.
• Support the management to reduce wastages.

Policies and Procedures

• Assist the manager in implementing all nursery policies consistently.
• Oversee the safe administration of medication, ensuring compliance with the nursery’s medicine policy and completion of all medical consent forms by parents.
• Follow QCCA’s procedure manuals, including Childcare, Employee Handbook, HR Guide, Health and Safety, Training, and Finance policies.

Health & Safety

• Take responsibility for health, safety, and cleanliness across the nursery environment.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and take necessary actions to reduce hazards.
• Monitor child protection concerns and maintain accurate records of accidents and incidents.
• Ensure effective waste removal and maintain high hygiene standards, including in bedding, nappy changing, and food preparation areas.
• Enforce emergency and security procedures such as fire safety, child registration, and collection protocols.
• Record all accidents accurately and promptly.

Security & Equipment

• Support management in maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all nursery resources.
• Ensure the proper care, maintenance, and security of all equipment and toys.

General

• Promptly address child protection, parent concerns, complaints, and accidents, working closely with nursery management to implement solutions.
• Implement any OFSTED recommendations following inspections.
• Ensure nursery menus are followed, fresh food is available, and food hygiene standards are maintained.
• Monitor food orders to avoid excess and ensure costs are recovered from parents.
• Ensure the nursery is well-equipped by managing timely orders.
• Promote equal opportunities in all services regarding race, gender, culture, faith, and disability.
• Carry out any additional duties as directed by senior management to support the effective delivery of children’s services.