Nursery Deputy Manager

Play House Day Nursery is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Early Years Leader to support the nursery manager and team and care for the children of staff at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. We require a reliable, flexible member of the team showing initiative and commitment. An ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form will be essential. Applicants must have a minimum Level 5 qualification in Childcare and Education and level A‑C in GCSE English. In addition, you should have leadership experience of working effectively with a staff team in full day care.

The role of the Deputy is to work under the direction of the Nursery Manager and deputise for them as and when necessary. The post holder will support the Manager in the operational management of the Nursery and will lead on planning and organising activities. The ability to supervise staff and undertake any administration as needed is required along with the ability to communicate effectively with parents/carers. To provide high standards of childcare and education, ensure the aims and objectives of the nursery are fulfilled and provide a safe, caring environment whilst in your role as Deputy and Early Years Leader.

Main duties of the job:

• Lead a team and ensure that all children attending the nursery receive rich and stimulating experiences appropriate to their age and ability.
• Take the lead in planning and organising the smooth running of the nursery as and when required.
• Adjust and adapt to challenging situations, and organise play activities during these times.
• Be actively involved in curriculum planning and support staff in delivering the Foundation Stage curriculum.
• Monitor children’s progress and record this regularly and appropriately.
• Plan, hold and record team meetings.

Person specification:

• Education/Qualifications: NVQ level 5 or equivalent in Childcare & Education, Safeguarding Children Training and experience, Recognised relevant qualification at NVQ Level 5 Early Years and Education or equivalent, Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
• Experience: Significant experience of working as an Early Years Leader with children 0‑5 years in full day care, Ability to lead a team, Experience of working with a team in a Day Care setting, Understanding of the Education Inspection Framework, Experience of working in partnership with parents/carers, external agencies and relevant child support roles, Experience of maintaining development records and writing reports.
• Skills/Abilities/Knowledge: An ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form, Understand the EYFS including curriculum and general requirements, Understand the safeguarding children policy and procedure.
• Other Requirements: Good use of initiative, A clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality.

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff: At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease. The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the utmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient‑facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.