At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering exceptional early years care and education.
- Company: Fast-growing nursery group dedicated to high-quality childcare.
- Benefits: 20 days holiday, free lunch, paid training, and promotion opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture with regular events and activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 € per year.
Cambridge | From £34,000 per annum | Full-time | 40 hours per week
Are you a warm, experienced early years leader ready for your next chapter? We’re a fast-growing nursery group on a mission to deliver exceptional childcare—and we’re looking for a Deputy Manager who leads with both heart and excellence.
Whilst working in partnership with the Nursery Manager, you will:
- Champion high standards of early years care and education, supporting and inspiring your team to deliver exceptional practice
- Be hands-on in the rooms, mentoring practitioners and supporting them in their growth
- Build strong, trusting partnerships with families, offering clear communication and consistent care
- Oversee staffing, rotas, ratios, and nursery routines with confidence and clarity
- Monitor, assess and improve standards across the nursery, including safeguarding, compliance, and quality
- Support occupancy and recruitment targets with a proactive, business-minded approach
What you’ll love:
- 20 days holiday + bank holidays (rising with service)
- Free daily lunch, coffee, tea and refreshments
- Paid training + 2 inset days
- Brilliant team culture with regular team events and seasonal activities
- Promotion opportunities as we grow
If you’ve worked as a Deputy or 3rd in charge in a busy setting and want a new role where your ideas are heard, your growth is supported, and the children always come first—this could be for you.
What you’ll bring:
- Relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
- Proven experience in a leadership role (Deputy, 3rd in Charge, or Manager)
- Confident in safeguarding, EYFS delivery, and compliance
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset and a genuine love for helping children thrive
- Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement
- Right to work in the UK
Our Commitment to Safer Recruitment: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful candidates will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references in line with our safer recruitment policy.
Nursery Deputy Manager employer: Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Cambridge
Join our vibrant nursery group in Cambridge, where we prioritise exceptional childcare and a supportive work environment. As a Deputy Manager, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional growth, all while being part of a passionate team that values your ideas and contributions. With regular team events and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is an excellent place to advance your career in early years education.
Contact Detail:
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Deputy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery group before your interview! Research their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you show them that you're not just a good fit, but the perfect match.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've mentored others or improved standards in your previous roles. We want to hear about your hands-on approach and how you’ve made a difference in early years care.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills during the interview. Think about how you can build strong partnerships with families and your team. Share your strategies for clear communication and how you handle challenges—this is key for a Deputy Manager role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to professional development and how they support their staff—this is important for your growth too!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Deputy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for early years education shine through. We want to see how your heart aligns with our mission to deliver exceptional childcare.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the Deputy Manager role. We’re looking for leaders who can inspire and support their teams, so showcase those mentoring moments!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your communication reflects your excellent organisational skills—just like you would with families at the nursery.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Cambridge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in early years education principles and the specific responsibilities of a Deputy Manager. Brush up on safeguarding policies and EYFS delivery, as these will likely come up during your chat.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership and mentoring abilities. Think about times when you’ve inspired your team or improved practices in your previous roles—this is your chance to shine!
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves building strong partnerships with families, practice how you’d communicate effectively with parents. Be ready to discuss how you would handle difficult conversations or support families in their child’s development.
✨Be Proactive and Solution-Focused
Demonstrate your proactive mindset by thinking of potential challenges the nursery might face and how you would address them. This shows you’re not just a follower but someone who can lead and innovate.
