At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in nurturing and educating young children.
- Company: A warm, nurturing nursery dedicated to exceptional early years care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on continuous improvement and child development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and experience in a nursery setting.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Chigwell / Ilford
Pay: £25,000 - £30,000
Duration: Full-time | Permanent
Start: ASAP / Flexible
Closing date for applications: 14/06/2026
Our client is a warm, nurturing early years setting based in Ilford area, committed to providing exceptional care and education for children from birth to five years. They pride themselves on creating a safe, stimulating environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Role Overview
As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the day‑to‑day running of the nursery. Working closely with the Nursery Manager, you will lead by example, inspire the team, and help create an outstanding experience for the children in our care and their families.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Nursery Manager in the effective management and leadership of the nursery
- Take responsibility for the nursery in the Manager's absence, ensuring continuity of high‑quality care
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of practitioners, promoting a positive and professional culture
- Ensure full compliance with Ofsted requirements, safeguarding legislation, and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
- Support with staff recruitment, induction, supervisions, and appraisals
- Monitor and maintain high standards of planning, observation, and assessment across all rooms
- Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with parents, carers, and families
- Manage and monitor key children's learning journeys, tracking progress and identifying areas for development
- Assist with the management of daily operations, including staffing ratios, rotas, and room organisation
- Champion safeguarding and child protection practices, acting as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) if required
- Support with the preparation for Ofsted inspections and other regulatory requirements
- Contribute to the setting's self‑evaluation and continuous improvement planning
- Liaise with other professionals such as SENCO, health visitors, and local authority staff as required
Person Specification – Essential
- Level 3 qualification (or above) in Early Years, Childcare, or a related field
- Significant experience working in an early years or nursery setting, including supervisory or leadership experience
- Thorough knowledge of the EYFS framework, Ofsted requirements, and safeguarding legislation
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and support a team
- Experience in completing observations, assessments, and planning activities in line with EYFS
- Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain upon appointment)
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
- A genuine passion for early childhood education and child development
Person Specification – Desirable
- Level 5 or above qualification in Early Years Leadership or Management
- Previous Deputy Manager or Room Leader experience
- Experience supporting or preparing for Ofsted inspections
- Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Knowledge of SEND provision within an early years context
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Deputy Nursery Manager employer: Luma Education Recruitment Ltd
Our client is an exceptional employer located in the Chigwell/Ilford area, offering a nurturing and supportive work environment for those passionate about early childhood education. With a strong commitment to employee development, they provide opportunities for professional growth and training, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to inspire and lead their teams. The culture is centred around collaboration and respect, making it a rewarding place to work where you can truly make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
Contact Details:
Luma Education Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Nursery Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 practising common questions related to nursery management and leadership. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role of Deputy Nursery Manager. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early childhood education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning and development. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Nursery Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Deputy Nursery Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and knowledge of the EYFS framework to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for early childhood education and how you can contribute to our nurturing environment. Keep it personal and engaging, so we can see your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your supervisory roles and any specific achievements in previous positions. We want to see how you've led teams and improved nursery settings in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Luma Education Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the EYFS framework and Ofsted requirements. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding legislation too, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the position.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team or mentored others in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you inspired your colleagues or improved team dynamics. This will demonstrate your capability to support the Nursery Manager effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Parents
Since building strong relationships with parents is key, be ready to share your strategies for engaging with families. Discuss how you’ve handled parent concerns or feedback in the past, showcasing your communication skills and commitment to a nurturing environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like handling a safeguarding issue or preparing for an Ofsted inspection. Practise your responses to these scenarios so you can showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
