Deputy Nursery Manager

Deputy Nursery Manager

Maidstone Full-Time 27642 - 33098 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead nursery operations and support staff development in a vibrant educational setting.
  • Company: Join The Education People, a top provider of services to the education sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, life assurance, pension contributions, and wellness perks.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while fostering a culture of curiosity and learning.
  • Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 qualification in Early Years and experience in early education.
  • Other info: Be part of a rapidly growing company committed to social impact and inclusivity.

The predicted salary is between 27642 - 33098 £ per year.

Location: Discovery Day Nursery, Maidstone

Salary/package: £27,642 to £33,098 pro rata

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, Term-time only

This role is based on 37 hours a week, working between the hours of 08:00am and 17:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Join a passionate, purpose-driven team committed to shaping young lives and delivering outstanding early years education. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role as Deputy Nursery Manager with The Education People, where your expertise and initiative will make a real impact in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Who we are

The Education People is a leading provider of specialist services to the education sector, supporting schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts with expert advice and training. As part of Commercial Services Group (CSG), we operate within the UK’s largest local authority trading company, helping to deliver essential services that make a real difference.

Why this role matters

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will play a vital leadership role within our setting. As a key member of the management team, you will support the Nursery Manager in overseeing daily operations and take full responsibility in their absence. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a culture of curiosity, lifelong learning, and high-quality early years practice. You will lead and support staff development, model outstanding care and education, and act as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, making a real difference in the lives of children, families, and the wider nursery team.

What you’ll be doing

  • Lead and manage nursery operations with strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding, staffing, financial oversight, and customer service.
  • Be the named SENCO and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the setting.
  • Promote a culture of safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practice, ensuring all staff are fully trained and compliant with policies and procedures.
  • Inspire and support a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, reflective, and continuously improving work environment through coaching, mentoring, and role modelling.
  • Ensure high-quality teaching and learning, using effective monitoring systems to track children’s development and close attainment gaps.
  • Build strong partnerships with families and professionals, championing parental involvement and positive communication across all levels.
  • Commit to ongoing professional development, contributing to a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking nursery setting.

What we’re looking for

  • Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years is essential.
  • Pediatric first aid, safeguarding, and leadership training are highly desirable.
  • Significant post-qualification experience working with children, including supervisory or line management roles.
  • Proven experience in delivering the EYFS 0–5 curriculum, with strong pedagogical leadership and a track record in high-quality, inclusive early education.
  • Demonstrated success in working with families to enhance involvement in children’s learning and development.
  • Strong skills in leading teams and driving continuous improvement, with experience in influencing change and maintaining high standards.
  • Excellent communication skills at all levels, including effective engagement with children, parents, professionals, and multi-agency teams.
  • In-depth knowledge of early years development, child safeguarding, and regulatory frameworks within the PVI sector.

What you’ll get in return

  • Salary of £27,642 to £33,098 pro rata
  • Life assurance cover (4x salary)
  • Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution
  • Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme
  • Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme
  • Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress
  • 2 training days per year

Why CSG?

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions.

We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies.

CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.

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Deputy Nursery Manager employer: Lumina Energy

The Education People is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and forward-thinking environment for those passionate about early years education. With a commitment to employee growth through tailored learning opportunities and a comprehensive wellbeing programme, staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Maidstone, the nursery fosters a culture of curiosity and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to shape young lives while enjoying competitive benefits and a collaborative work culture.
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Contact Detail:

Lumina Energy Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Nursery Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understanding its principles and how they apply in practice will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to high-quality early years education.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you inspired staff or improved practices, as this is crucial for a Deputy Nursery Manager.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the early years sector. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others in similar roles. This can provide insights into the nursery's culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to safeguarding and inclusion. Given the importance of these areas in the role, having clear strategies and experiences to share will highlight your suitability for the position and your commitment to child welfare.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Nursery Manager

Leadership Skills
Knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Safeguarding Expertise
Team Management
Coaching and Mentoring
Communication Skills
Child Development Knowledge
Customer Service Skills
Financial Oversight
Experience with Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO)
Ability to Foster Parental Involvement
Monitoring and Assessment Skills
Commitment to Continuous Professional Development
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in early years education, particularly any supervisory roles. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your Level 3 qualification in Early Years, and any additional training like safeguarding or leadership.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early years education and your leadership skills. Mention specific experiences where you have successfully led teams or improved educational outcomes, and explain why you want to work with The Education People.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding practices, and team management. Use examples to demonstrate how you've applied these skills in previous roles.

Showcase Your Commitment to Development: Mention any ongoing professional development you’ve undertaken, such as training days or workshops. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement and aligns with the nursery's values of fostering a high-performing team.

How to prepare for a job interview at Lumina Energy

✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out

As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Brush up on the key principles and how they apply to daily nursery operations. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these in practice.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role requires strong leadership abilities. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Be ready to explain your approach to coaching and mentoring staff, as well as how you foster a collaborative environment.

✨Emphasise Safeguarding Knowledge

As the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, your knowledge of safeguarding policies is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience with safeguarding practices and how you ensure compliance among staff. Highlight any relevant training you've completed.

✨Engage with Families and Professionals

Building strong partnerships with families and professionals is key in this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully engaged parents or collaborated with other agencies. Be ready to share your strategies for promoting parental involvement in children's learning.

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