Job Ref No. ECC2192-23S Position Type: Early Years Pay Range: Scale 6 Point 14-18
Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 30/10/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: November 2026
Hours: 37 hours a week, 50 weeks a year (the Nursery is closed the first week of August and between Christmas and New Year) - 6.3 weeks paid holiday per academic year (including Bank Holidays)
The nursery is open 7:30am until 6.30pm (Monday to Friday) and the successful applicant will be expected to work 8:30am to 5.30pm two days a week (to be discussed and agreed at interview/offer stage) and 8.30am to 3.20/3.30pm, three days a week
Chapel Hill Nursery is seeking a dedicated Deputy Manager to join our purpose-built Nursery which caters for children between 3 months and 4 years. The ideal candidate will have a passion for childcare, excellent communication skills and have relevant experience in an early childhood education setting. The purpose of the role is to help manage the day to day running of Chapel Hill Nursery from an operational and childcare perspective and to act as a role model to elevate teaching practice across the setting.
This exciting opportunity is ideal for a strong and experienced nursery practitioner looking to take on a blended role of leadership and hands-on childcare. Working full-time, the successful candidate will split their time between supporting room-based activities and staff professional development and office-based leadership and management tasks, helping to maintain smooth nursery operations and delivering high-quality early years education
The Deputy Manager will play a key operational role supporting the Nursery Manager and will be responsible for all aspects of delivery while deputising in their absence.
Key accountabilities
- To work with the Nursery Manager to develop the nursery in accordance with the framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Actively promote and support the protection of children and young people in the workplace, ensuring that all staff observe nursery policies and procedures to keep children safe from harm.
- Help lead and support staff to implement the EYFS.
- Deliver childcare and education that supports equality and diversity.
- Mentor and coach the nursery team to realise their full potential and feel supported in their roles, to enable the team to deliver high standards of childcare and education in order that Chapel Hill's, ethos and values are always promoted.
- Maintain exemplary parental engagement ensuring partnership with families is professional at all times.
- Ensure high standards of Health & Safety, hygiene and infection control measures are actively maintained across the board.
- To partake in, and contribute to all aspects of staff training and development relevant to the role and function of the nursery.
- To take full responsibility in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
- To lead the Nursery and School's extended provision.
- To cover ratios as and when required.
- Be an advocate and champion for Chapel Hill Nursery at all times to parents, staff and visitors.
Person Specification
- A full and relevant Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above (essential)
- GCSE – Maths and English – Grade 4/C and above / or Functional Skills – Level 2 in English and Maths (essential)
- Recent post-qualifying experience as a Room Leader (or above) within an early‑years setting (essentials)
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS (essential)
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (preferred)
We can offer you:
- A forward-thinking nursery that is dedicated to the success of all children and staff
- A well-resourced learning environment
If you are reading this thinking, "that sounds like me!", then we would LOVE to hear from you!
Visits to the nursery are warmly welcomed and encouraged.
Chapel Hill Primary School & Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This appointment is subject to satisfactory references, medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
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Deputy Nursery Manager in Basildon employer: Shorefields
Shorefields in Chelmsford is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values innovation and compassion in caring for children with complex needs. Our new purpose-built school provides a unique setting where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant community.
