At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver outstanding early years education.
- Company: Join Oak Wood Nursery, a nurturing and dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy childcare discounts, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Casual dress code and regular team events create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 34000 £ per year.
Location: Oak Wood Nursery, 251a Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0RH
Salary: £15.86 per hour
Hours: Full‑time, 38 hours per week, 7.45am – 6.15pm
Contract: Permanent
What You'll Do
- Lead, inspire and support a team of Senior Early Years Educators, Early Years Educators and Apprentices.
- Deliver outstanding early years practice, model and deliver quality in all rooms.
- Plan, deliver and monitor the curriculum and evaluate its impact.
- Create and maintain a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.
- Act as the person in charge and DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) in the manager’s absence.
- Open and/or close the nursery between 7.45am and 6.15pm.
- Keep accurate records of room developments, progress and support.
- Ensure compliance with legislation and company policies.
- Manage day‑to‑day operations, including absences, rota, holidays, training and performance reviews.
- Champion inclusive education and meaningful partnerships with families.
What You'll Bring
- A Level 3 qualification (or higher) in Early Years / Childcare.
- Strong understanding of the EYFS, child development theory, HighScope behaviour approach, safeguarding and child protection, SEND, health and safety and risk assessments in early years settings.
- Excellent leadership, communication and team collaboration skills.
- A passion for learning, adventure and making a real difference.
- Enhanced DBS check and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
What We Offer
- Childcare discounts.
- Casual dress and a warm, welcoming environment.
- Regular team and company events.
- Health and wellbeing support.
- Pension scheme.
- Free on‑site parking.
- Opportunities for continued professional development.
- Meaningful work that truly changes lives.
Further Information
For further information or an informal discussion, please call Shannon Page on 01473 599038.
Closing date: 6:00pm, 26 June 2026
To apply, email a cover letter and CV to shannon.page@bowsandarrowsgroup.co.uk.
Nursery Deputy Manager in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
At Oak Wood Nursery & Forest School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a nurturing and inclusive work environment. Our team enjoys competitive salaries, childcare discounts, and a strong commitment to professional development, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to grow and thrive in their career. Located in the heart of Ipswich, our nursery offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where meaningful work truly changes lives, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals dedicated to early years education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Deputy Manager in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Sometimes, it's all about who you know, so don't be shy!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years education. Think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and passion for child development. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for creating a nurturing environment come through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Deputy Manager in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives and how you can inspire others in the team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership skills and how you've implemented the EYFS framework in previous roles. Tailoring it to the job description will make you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the Nursery Deputy Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and child development theories. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in practice, as well as any specific experiences you've had that demonstrate your understanding.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and supported your colleagues in the past. Think about times when you've managed conflicts or motivated your team to achieve their best.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, especially around safeguarding and creating a nurturing environment. Practise your responses to these scenarios so you can showcase your problem-solving skills and commitment to child welfare.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask about the nursery's approach to inclusive education or professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
