At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create engaging learning experiences for children.
- Company: Join the outstanding Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery, part of Family First Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, 75% childcare discount, 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.
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.
Locations
Deputy Nursery Manager in Colchester, Essex employer: Family First Nursery Group
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members. With a warm, supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and significant childcare discounts, employees are encouraged to grow through personalised learning opportunities. Located in the heart of the community, this nursery offers a fulfilling environment where staff can make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Nursery Manager in Colchester, Essex
✨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
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Ofsted expectations and EYFS regulations. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with the nursery's values and mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your ideas for engaging learning experiences and how you support children's development. Let your enthusiasm for the role come through!
✨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 directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Nursery Manager in Colchester, Essex
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.
Show 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 submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations. Being able to discuss how you’ve applied these in your previous roles will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples of how you've supported staff development or led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you modelled best practices and how that impacted the children’s learning.
✨Engage with the Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery and Family First Group. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around safeguarding and providing a nurturing environment for children.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to staff training or how they ensure a supportive environment for both children and staff. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the nursery's ethos.
