Nursery Deputy Manager in Croydon

Lakera Early Years Nursery is seeking a passionate, experienced and motivated Deputy Nursery Manager to support the Nursery Manager in the effective day-to-day running of our nursery. We provide high-quality care and education for children aged 6 months to 5 years, creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can learn, develop and thrive.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining high standards of childcare, education, safeguarding and development. This is a room-based leadership position, combining direct work with children with management responsibilities and support for the nursery team.

The Deputy Nursery Manager will support the Nursery Manager in leading and supervising staff, maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios, overseeing daily routines and ensuring compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and relevant Ofsted requirements. They will help plan, monitor and evaluate children's learning and development, ensuring activities are engaging, age-appropriate and tailored to individual needs.

Responsibilities will include supporting staff rotas and deployment, conducting staff supervision, assisting with induction and training, maintaining accurate records, monitoring health and safety, completing risk assessments and ensuring safeguarding and child protection procedures are followed. The successful candidate will also build positive relationships with parents and carers, support admissions and settling-in arrangements, and help ensure smooth transitions for children.

The Deputy Nursery Manager will contribute to the development of an inclusive learning environment, support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), work alongside the nursery's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), and promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing and strong partnerships with families. They will also assist with resource management, supplies, budgets and continuous improvement to ensure the nursery operates efficiently and maintains consistently high standards.

Applicants must hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above and demonstrate a strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding, child development and early years best practice. Previous experience in a senior early years or leadership position is essential, with previous deputy management experience highly desirable. Candidates must have excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills, be reliable and professional, and demonstrate a genuine passion for children's learning and development. The successful applicant must have the right to work in the UK and complete the necessary enhanced DBS and suitability checks.

The role is full-time, Monday to Friday, with shifts arranged within the nursery's operating hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Flexibility will be required to support the smooth running of the nursery. The salary, annual leave arrangements and any additional benefits will be confirmed by Lakera Early Years Nursery as part of the recruitment and employment process.

Lakera Early Years Nursery offers the opportunity to work within a supportive team, contribute to high-quality early years provision and access relevant training and professional development. We are looking for someone who will lead by example, support colleagues and help create a positive environment where children, families and staff feel valued.

If you are committed to providing outstanding early years care and education and are ready to make a positive contribution to our nursery, we would welcome your application.

Benefits

Lakera Early Years Nursery is seeking a passionate, experienced and motivated Deputy Nursery Manager to support the Nursery Manager in the effective day-to-day running of the nursery.

We provide high-quality care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years, creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can learn, develop and thrive.

The successful candidate will play an important role in leading and supporting the nursery team, maintaining high standards of childcare and education, and ensuring compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and safeguarding requirements.

This is a room-based leadership role, combining direct work with children with staff supervision, operational responsibilities and a commitment to delivering high-quality early years provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with the daily management and smooth operation of the nursery.

• Lead, supervise, motivate and support staff to maintain high standards of care and education.

• Work directly with children, modelling good practice and promoting positive relationships.

• Support the planning and delivery of engaging, age-appropriate activities in line with the EYFS.

• Monitor children's learning, development and progress, ensuring individual needs are met.

• Support staff deployment and ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios are maintained.

• Ensure safeguarding, child protection, health and safety procedures and nursery policies are followed.

• Maintain accurate children's records, observations, assessments and other required documentation.

• Build positive relationships with parents and carers and support effective communication.

• Support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), working with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) where appropriate.

• Assist with staff induction, supervision, training and professional development.

• Monitor the safety, cleanliness and organisation of rooms, equipment and learning environments.

• Support risk assessments, accident reporting and regulatory compliance.

• Assist with admissions, settling-in arrangements and children's transitions.

• Support the Nursery Manager with inspections, quality assurance and continuous improvement.

• Promote teamwork, inclusive practice and a positive working environment.

Essential Requirements and Qualifications

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.

• At least one year of experience working as a Deputy Nursery Manager.

• At least two years of general experience working in a nursery or early years childcare setting.

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework and safeguarding requirements.

• A good understanding of child development, early learning and age-appropriate practice.

• Knowledge of staff-to-child ratios, health and safety and nursery procedures.

• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.

• The ability to supervise, support and motivate a team effectively.

• A commitment to inclusive practice and meeting the individual needs of children.

• The ability to build positive relationships with parents, carers and colleagues.

• A reliable, positive, professional and flexible approach.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining high standards of practice.

• The right to work in the UK.

• Willingness to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and all required suitability checks.

Working Hours

• Working days: Monday to Friday.

• Contracted hours: 40 hours per week.

• Early shift: 8:00 am–4:00 pm.

• Late shift: 11:15 am–7:15 pm.

• Shift pattern: A mixture of early and late shifts according to the agreed rota.

• Operating year: 51 weeks per year, with the nursery closed for one week between Christmas and New Year.

The Deputy Nursery Manager will be expected to work flexibly between the two shifts to support the nursery's daily operations, staff supervision and management cover.

Each shift is eight hours on site. Any unpaid breaks must be accounted for when determining paid contractual hours.

Benefits

Lakera Early Years Nursery aims to provide a supportive and rewarding working environment. Proposed staff benefits include:

• Birthday Gift Voucher: A gift voucher to celebrate each employee's birthday.

• Birthday Leave: An additional day off for your birthday, subject to the nursery's policy.

• Additional Annual Leave: Opportunities for additional leave based on length of service.

• Long-Service Recognition: Rewards to recognise staff commitment and loyalty.

• Attendance Rewards: Potential monthly attendance incentives, subject to eligibility.

• Employee Discounts: Discounts on eligible products and services.

• Childcare Discount: Discounted childcare fees for eligible employees, subject to the nursery's policy.

• Workplace Pension: Pension arrangements in accordance with the applicable scheme.

• Professional Development: Access to relevant training, further qualifications and leadership development.

• Career Progression: Opportunities to develop professionally and progress into more senior roles.

• Staff Wellbeing: A supportive working environment that promotes wellbeing and work-life balance.

• Staff Recognition and Team Celebrations: Opportunities to recognise achievements and celebrate team milestones.

All benefits are subject to the nursery's approved policies, eligibility criteria and contractual terms.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be caring, approachable, organised and confident in leading a team. They will demonstrate initiative, professionalism and a genuine passion for early years education.

They will be committed to safeguarding children, supporting colleagues, working in partnership with families and creating a stimulating environment where every child feels safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Lakera Early Years Nursery