At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create engaging learning experiences for children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery, rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, childcare discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and over a year of Early Years experience required.
The predicted salary is between 29245 - 29245 £ per year.
Ready to take the next step in your early years career? We’re recruiting an experienced Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader at Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
School House, Colchester Academy, Hawthorne Avenue, Essex, CO4 3JN
Full time - 36 hours
£29,245 per annum
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is a beautiful converted house nursery, rated Outstanding by Ofsted (November 2022). We provide a warm, home‑from‑home environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to thrive. The nursery is located on Hawthorn Avenue via Acacia Avenue, based on the school grounds of Colchester Academy, offering a well‑established setting at the heart of the local community.
Why Join Us?
- Generous Annual Leave: 24 days to start, plus bank holidays and your birthday off – paid!
- Childcare Discount: 75% off nursery fees for your little ones
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Confidential employee assistance helpline
- Career Growth: Personalised learning and development opportunities
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to £750 with our referral scheme*
Room Leader duties and responsibilities:
- Lead the room to deliver engaging, age‑appropriate learning experiences
- Support children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development
- Role model best practice and support staff development and consistency
- Oversee high‑quality learning records and systems (EyLog/EyMan)
- Ensure the safety, wellbeing and EYFS compliance at all times
Room Leader requirement and skills:
- Full and relevant Level 3 in Childcare qualification - Essential
- Over 1 year’s experience working in Early Years - Essential
- Sound knowledge of Ofsted expectations to achieve a Good or Outstanding rating - Desirable
- Knowledge of the statutory framework for the EYFS and regulatory requirements - Essential
- Fluent in written and spoken English - Essential
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.
Deputy Nursery Manager in Chelmsford employer: Family First Nursery Group
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its team members. With a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and significant childcare discounts, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a nurturing environment at Colchester Academy, the nursery offers unique opportunities for career advancement and development in early years education.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Nursery Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Deputy Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your interview game on point! Research common interview questions for nursery management roles and practice your responses. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for early years education! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's development in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to 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 with us directly. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Nursery Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Nursery Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted expectations.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's development and created engaging learning experiences in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for our nursery.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and securely, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations. Brush up on your knowledge of child development and how to create engaging learning experiences. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about early years education.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you’ve led a team or implemented best practices. Think about times when you’ve supported children’s development or improved learning outcomes. This will help you demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to foster a nurturing environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery’s approach to learning and development, or how they support staff growth. This shows you’re engaged and serious about finding the right fit for both you and the nursery.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery values a warm, home-from-home environment, so showing your genuine passion for working with children can make a big difference. Relax and be authentic!
