Deputy Manager in Harlow

Job Ref No. ECC545422-1S Position Type: Deputy/Assistant of Department/Faculty Pay Range: £13.50

Position Start Date: 02/09/2026 Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Fixed

Application Close: 01/09/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 3/8/26. 17/8/26

Hours: 28 hours per week, Term Time Only

About the Role

We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Manager to join our Outstanding preschool. This is a genuine leadership role for someone who is passionate about early years education and wants to make a real difference to children's lives every single day.

This is not an office-based management position. Our Deputy Manager leads by example, working alongside the children and staff to create magical learning experiences both indoors and outdoors. If you would rather be building dens, reading stories, exploring the woodland, creating exciting invitations to learn and inspiring young minds than sitting behind a desk, then this could be the perfect role for you.

We are a small, close-knit team with a consistently high staff-to-child ratio, allowing us to build meaningful relationships with every child and family.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Managers in the day-to-day leadership and management of the preschool.
• Lead by example, modelling outstanding practice and inspiring the team.
• Plan and deliver exciting, child-centred learning experiences in line with the EYFS and our Montessori and Forest School ethos.
• Create engaging invitations to learn that encourage curiosity, confidence and independence.
• Observe, assess and support children’s individual learning and development.
• Foster warm, positive and professional relationships with parents and carers, ensuring excellent communication at all times.
• Support children emotionally, socially and academically, helping every child to flourish and reach their full potential.
• Encourage children’s resilience, confidence, problem-solving skills and love of learning.
• Mentor and support colleagues, promoting a positive, reflective and collaborative culture.
• Maintain exceptionally high standards of care, teaching and learning throughout the setting.
• Contribute to planning, continuous improvement and the overall development of the preschool.
• Support with opening and closing procedures and the smooth day-to-day running of the setting.
• Complete children’s observations, assessments and essential records to a high standard. This role involves minimal paperwork, allowing you to spend the majority of your time doing what matters most-working directly with children.

Our Ideal Candidate

You will:

• Have previous leadership or supervisory experience within an early years setting.
• Be passionate about child-led learning and the importance of play.
• Love being outdoors and embrace every season, whatever the weather.
• Enjoy getting muddy, climbing hills, exploring nature and sharing adventures with children.
• Be energetic, enthusiastic and highly organised.
• Have excellent communication skills with children, families and colleagues.
• Be calm under pressure and able to support the team through busy days.
• Be kind, nurturing, approachable and genuinely care about every child and family.
• Be committed to continuous professional development and maintaining outstanding practice.
• Share our values of warmth, respect, resilience, kindness and teamwork.

Forest School and/or Montessori experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join Bluebell Forest School?

• Beautiful woodland setting.
• Term-time only working.
• 28 hours per week.
• High staff-to-child ratio.
• Small, supportive and experienced team.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Free parking.
• The opportunity to genuinely make a lifelong difference to children.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Bluebell Forest School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List information, provide satisfactory references, complete all pre-employment checks and demonstrate their right to work in the UK. Online searches may also be carried out as part of our safer recruitment procedures in line with current statutory guidance.

We are committed to safeguarding children through robust safer recruitment practices and expect all staff to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, safeguarding and child protection at all times.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is subject to all relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

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.

Donna Pike
Matching Village Hall
Matching Tye, Harlow
Essex, CM170QS Telephone: 07878555294
Email: donna@bluebellforestschool.com