Senior Early Years Practitioner (Pathway to Deputy Manager) in Brighton

Senior Early Years Practitioner – Pathway to Deputy Manager

Serpentine Nursery School Ltd

Location: Buxton, Derbyshire
Salary: £27,000–£32,000 per annum, depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time
Qualification: Minimum full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Childcare/Early Years

About the Nursery

At Serpentine Nursery School, our mission is to ensure every child is Safe, Loved and Learning. We provide a warm, stimulating environment where children can thrive and staff are supported to develop their skills and progress into leadership roles.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Senior Early Years Practitioner to lead a designated area of the nursery, with a clear pathway to becoming Deputy Manager.

Initially, you will demonstrate your practical skills, lead daily routines and activities, and maintain high standards of care and education. Following a successful initial trial period, you will progress into the Deputy Manager role, supporting the Nursery Manager with daily operations, staff leadership, administration and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a designated nursery area, ensuring children receive high-quality care and learning opportunities.

• Plan and deliver engaging activities that support children's development.

• Mentor and support practitioners and apprentices.

• Build positive relationships with parents and carers, providing updates on children's progress.

• Oversee attendance records, child development tracking and administration using nursery software.

• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, cleanliness and regulatory compliance.

• Progress into Deputy Manager responsibilities following a successful trial period, supporting staff and the overall running of the nursery.

Requirements

• At least three years' experience working in a nursery setting.

• A full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Childcare/Early Years or above.

• Proven experience of high-quality practice and leading a room or designated area.

• Current training certificates in:

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

  • English as an Additional Language (EAL)

  • Paediatric First Aid

  • Core early years training, including Food Hygiene and Health & Safety.

• Experience using Famly, Funding Loop and standard office software.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with children, parents and colleagues.

• Experience working with all age groups, from babies to pre-school children.

• Evidence of ongoing professional development and a willingness to apply new learning in practice.

• The confidence, organisation and ambition to progress into a Deputy Manager position.

Level 4, Level 5 or degree-level qualifications are welcome but are not essential where the candidate demonstrates excellent practical skills and leadership ability.

What We Offer

• A clear pathway to Deputy Manager.

• Competitive salary reflecting experience and responsibilities.

• Funded continuous professional development and management training.

• Generous annual leave entitlement.

• Childcare discounts for your own children.

• Pension scheme.

• Uniform provided.

• Regular team social events.

Important Information

Serpentine Nursery School Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointment is subject to safer recruitment procedures, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and right-to-work verification.

The position includes an initial trial period to assess suitability before progressing to the Deputy Manager responsibilities.

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