At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a passionate team in delivering high-quality Montessori education.
- Company: Join Grove Montessori, an award-winning nursery committed to children's rights and global citizenship.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, competitive salary, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your voice and promotes well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 6 qualification or Montessori Diploma and strong leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Who we are
Grove Montessori is one of the most distinctive settings in the Treehouse Nursery Schools family. We are a UNICEF Rights Respecting nursery rooted in the Montessori approach, and in 2023 our team was recognised as Team of the Year by Nursery Management Today. That award matters to us, not because of the recognition itself, but because of what it reflects: a team that truly believes in what it does and shows it in practice every single day. Treehouse Nursery Schools is an outstanding and good-rated group of early years settings across Redbridge and Essex. Our identity is built around our Children's Voices Curriculum, our H.E.A.R.T values (Helpful, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, Teamwork), and a commitment to nurturing children as global citizens from the very earliest age. Montessori is not a marketing label for us. It is the fabric of how we work.
About the role
We are looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager to work in genuine partnership with our Nursery Manager at Grove Montessori. You will be a visible, confident leader who the team looks to for direction, support and high standards. On days when the Nursery Manager is absent, you will hold the setting with the same calm authority and operational grip as they do. We are looking for someone who understands the philosophy deeply, can articulate it clearly to staff and families, and who models it through their own practice. If Montessori is something you have studied and lived rather than something you have picked up along the way, this role is for you. You will support curriculum quality, lead on safeguarding, coach and develop the team, and hold compliance to a standard that means we are inspection-ready every day, not just when Ofsted arrives.
What you will do
- Support and deputise for the Nursery Manager, taking full operational responsibility for the setting when required.
- Embed Montessori principles consistently across all rooms, leading by example and supporting staff to deepen their own understanding.
- Drive the quality of teaching, observation and assessment, ensuring our Children's Voices Curriculum is delivered with intent and ambition across all seven areas of learning.
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL, holding the safeguarding culture of the setting to the highest standard at all times.
- Lead termly supervisions and manage staff development using our 9 Box Grid framework, coaching individuals and identifying training needs early.
- Support children with SEND, EAL and other barriers to learning through the graduated approach, working closely with the setting SENCo.
- Embed the UNICEF Rights Respecting framework across daily practice, planning and the learning environment.
- Oversee the FAMLY app, including observations, planning cycles, parent communications and compliance records.
- Lead on operational audits, ratios, risk assessments and fire safety procedures.
- Build meaningful relationships with parents and families, creating the kind of open-door culture that Grove is known for.
- Contribute to the self-evaluation and strategic improvement of the setting alongside the Nursery Manager and Director of Education.
Who we are looking for
You will hold a minimum Level 6, a Montessori Diploma from an accredited provider, or a relevant Masters-level qualification is strongly preferred. What matters most is that your knowledge of Montessori goes beyond theory and into practice. Deep, applied knowledge of Maria Montessori's philosophy and how it translates into the environment, the role of the adult and daily provision. Proven experience in a senior leadership role within an early years setting. Strong knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework 2025 and the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Framework. Advanced Safeguarding (Level 3 DSL) certificate, or a commitment to achieve this within three months of starting. Current Paediatric First Aid certificate. Experience managing FAMLY or an equivalent nursery management platform. A values-led approach to leadership, with the confidence to manage, coach and hold a team to high standards. A genuine commitment to children's rights, inclusion and sustainability as everyday practice, not add-ons. Experience working in an Ofsted Outstanding provision is an advantage.
What we offer
- A competitive salary reflective of your experience and the seniority of the role.
- 35 days holiday including paid closure days over Christmas and your birthday off.
- Genuine CPD investment, including Montessori and EYFS training and clear leadership progression pathways.
- A collaborative, mission-driven organisation where your voice as a leader is genuinely heard.
- 24/7 confidential counselling helpline, freephone, available whenever you need it.
- Virtual GP access with fast, clinically governed appointments.
- Up to 10 counselling sessions per issue, per year, available by phone, video, online chat or face to face.
- Day one stress intervention and early clinical support to reduce absence and prevent long-term sick leave.
- Legal and financial information support for everyday matters.
- 1-to-1 financial coaching (3 x 30-minute sessions with a qualified financial adviser).
- Occupational health support and manager consultancy.
- Life and leadership coaching sessions for personal and professional development.
- Eldercare and childcare guidance for managing family responsibilities.
- Critical incident support following any high-impact workplace event.
- Wisdom Wellbeing App with over 1,000 exclusive discounts, mood tracking, breathing tools and expert wellness content.
- Family coverage included for partners and dependants in full-time education.
- Day one Sick Pay.
Our commitment to safeguarding
Treehouse Nursery Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Ready to join us?
If you are ready to bring your Montessori knowledge and your leadership to a team that has already shown what it can achieve, we would love to hear from you.
Early Years Deputy Manager employer: Treehouse Nursery School
Grove Montessori is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and collaborative work environment where your leadership voice is genuinely valued. With a strong commitment to professional development, including genuine CPD investment and clear progression pathways, employees enjoy a supportive culture that prioritises children's rights and inclusion. Located in Redbridge, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive wellbeing support, making it an ideal place for those passionate about early years education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Deputy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for Montessori! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and how you've applied Montessori principles in your work. This will help you stand out as someone who truly lives and breathes the philosophy.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years education and Montessori methods. Think about specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to children's rights and inclusion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at Grove Montessori.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Deputy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Montessori Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for the Montessori approach shine through. Share specific examples of how you've applied these principles in your previous roles, and how they resonate with your personal philosophy.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight your key achievements and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and expectations outlined in our job description. Show us how you embody our H.E.A.R.T values and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Treehouse Nursery School
✨Know Your Montessori Inside Out
Make sure you can articulate the Montessori philosophy clearly. Prepare examples from your own experience where you've applied these principles in practice. This will show that you truly understand and live the Montessori approach, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Think of specific situations where you’ve led a team, managed challenges, or supported staff development. Highlight how you embody the H.E.A.R.T values and how you can inspire others to do the same.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
As safeguarding is a key part of the role, brush up on your knowledge of current safeguarding practices and legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain a high standard of safeguarding culture within the nursery and share any relevant experiences.
✨Engage with the Children's Voices Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Voices Curriculum and think about how you would implement it in your daily practice. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure that all areas of learning are delivered with intent and ambition, and how you would support children with SEND and EAL.
