Deputy Nursery Manager

Deputy Nursery Manager – Preschool

Location: St Helens, Merseyside
Salary:Up to£30,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Qualification: Minimum Level 3 Early Years/Childcare
Key Responsibilities: Deputy Manager | SENCO | Deputy DSL
Working Pattern: 3 days in the preschool room | 2 days out of numbers

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced and passionate Deputy Nursery Manager to join a well-established preschool in St Helens.

This is an excellent opportunity for an existing Deputy Manager or an ambitious Room Leader, Senior Practitioner or Assistant Manager who is ready to take the next step in their career.

The role offers a great balance between remaining hands-on with the children and having dedicated management time, with two days each week out of numbers to focus on Deputy Manager, SENCO, safeguarding and administrative responsibilities.

The successful candidate will become the nursery's designated SENCO and support the Manager with safeguarding as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The Setting

The preschool is an established and well-performing setting with a strong commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive early years education and care.

Under the new Ofsted inspection report card framework, the setting has achieved Strong Standard in two areas and Expected Standard across the remaining areas, demonstrating that it is securely meeting required standards while exceeding expectations in specific areas.

The children and families attending the setting have a diverse range of needs, so we are particularly interested in practitioners who understand that effective early years practice extends beyond the nursery room.

You’ll need to be confident supporting children with SEND, working with families and collaborating with Social Services and other external professionals where required.

Your Working Week

One of the key benefits of this position is its clearly defined split between operational and management responsibilities.

3 days per week – Preschool Room

You’ll work directly with the children and staff team, remaining visible, involved and hands-on with the day-to-day running of the preschool.

2 days per week – Out of Numbers

You’ll have dedicated time away from the room to focus on:

• Deputy Manager responsibilities
• SENCO duties and SEND provision
• Safeguarding and Deputy DSL responsibilities
• Liaising with Social Services and external agencies
• Supporting children and families with additional or complex needs
• Administration, documentation and compliance
• Supporting the Nursery Manager with the effective running of the setting

What We’re Looking For

You will need to hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare/Early Years, with a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification advantageous.

Ideally, you’ll also bring:

• Previous experience as a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, Room Leader or Senior Early Years Practitioner
• An Early Years SENCO qualification and practical SENCO experience – highly desirable
• Strong experience supporting children with SEND
• Good safeguarding knowledge and relevant training
• The knowledge and confidence to act as Deputy DSL
• Experience working with Social Services, Local Authorities and other external professionals
• Experience supporting children and families with complex needs
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS
• Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills
• A genuinely child-centred and inclusive approach

Most importantly, we’re looking for somebody who still loves being hands-on with children. This isn’t a purely office-based management role, and you’ll remain an important and visible part of the preschool room three days each week.

Ready for Your First Deputy Manager Role?

You don’t necessarily need to already hold the title of Deputy Manager.

If you’re an experienced Room Leader or Senior Practitioner who has taken on additional leadership responsibilities, particularly around SEND or safeguarding, we’d be very interested in speaking with you.

This could be an excellent opportunity to secure your first formal Deputy Manager position while developing your leadership experience and taking ownership of key areas within the setting.

Salary & Application

The position offers a salary of up to£30,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications.

The setting is happy to arrange an initial informal conversation with suitable candidates following CV review, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the nursery, the children and families it supports and what they are looking for from their next Deputy Manager.

If you’re an experienced Early Years professional in or around St Helens and are looking for genuine career progression while remaining directly involved in children’s learning and development, we’d love to hear from you.