Nursery Manager in Newquay

The outdoors is our playground, and we know how to make the most of it, whatever the weather. Dedicated, loyal guests who love what we do. A committed team with a shared outlook. An attention to detail that pushes us to excel. A deep, instinctive care for the environment around us. It’s what sets Watergate Bay apart from other hotels and drives us to find extraordinary talent to join us.

Set within an Ofsted registered setting, we are proud to offer supervised sessions to children between the ages of 6 months to 12 years old and provide a babysitting service for children on request. Through proper hospitality, active relaxation and thoughtful experiences, we create the time and space for guests and teams to feel their best. Everything we do is rooted in warmth, confidence and care — with sustainability and community firmly at our heart.

Great childcare environments don’t happen by chance. They’re created by leaders who believe in the power of play and care deeply about nurturing both people and potential.

Our Deputy Childcare Manager role

We’re looking for an energetic, lively, and engaging Deputy Childcare Manager to join our welcoming Watergate Bay Hotel team. As our Deputy Childcare Manager, you’ll play a key role in shaping inspiring Kids’ Zone sessions, indoors and out, and supporting our team with guidance and fresh ideas. We don’t believe in paperwork-based assessments and know the true power of play, indoors and out. If you’re an experienced leader, with the relevant NVQ level 3 childcare qualifications and a likeminded view of what it takes to bring out the best in every child whatever their needs and learning styles, it’s you we’re looking for.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Deputising for our Kids’ Zone manager to ensure a happy, confident, effective Kids’ Zone team.
• Delivering sessions which meet Ofsted requirements at all times.
• Providing quality play sessions for children in the Kids’ Zone aged 6 months – 12 years, through planning and organising fun, active, exciting and age-appropriate activities, both indoors and outside.
• Understanding children’s individual needs and the importance of differing learning styles.
• Developing good working relationships with parents/carers and other professionals.
• Supervising and mentoring team members in their knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and all that it involves.
• Monitoring and supporting team members in their personal development and training and attentive to maximising the team’s overall wellbeing.
• Helping with the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of how we do things, running appraisals and supervisions as needed.
• Making sure children are safe and secure at all times.
• Completing daily administration tasks as needed.

Please note an enhanced DBS will be obtained upon employment.

What you’ll be sharing with us:

• A full and relevant NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare (or equivalent).
• Experience of leadership and management within an Ofsted registered setting.
• Experience of safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour management and inclusion procedures.
• Proven experience of delivery of childcare and play opportunities.
• Experience of working with children and families, staff team members, other professionals, hotel staff and guests.
• Experience within a beach or forest school setting (desirable).
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• An energetic team player with positive attitude and outlook.

What we can offer in return:

• A relaxed, professional place to work in a beautiful location – at one of the UK’s most striking beaches.
• A welcoming team, eager to support and encourage each other.
• Excellent career prospects in an ever-expanding organisation.
• Special rates for you and your friends and family to stay at the hotel.
• Team discounts on treatments in Swim Club.
• Discounts for you and your friends and family at: Zacry’s, The Beach Hut, and Living Space Restaurants.
• Team discounts at Shop on the Beach and other partner businesses.
• Free surf lessons, surfboards and wetsuits hire from Wavehunters.
• Team social events throughout the year.
• Team assistance scheme – a dedicated helpline for support & advice on topics from mental health through to managing your finances.

From discounted stays to training and development opportunities, we're all about helping our team achieve their personal and professional goals. Located on the sunny, sandy, Cornish coast, you'll never be short on inspiration. Our commitment to our staff is reflected in our exceptional working environment – one that promotes work-life balance, professional development, and a positive culture where everyone is heard and supported, always. Working at Watergate Bay Hotel isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to help create something that really matters. Now and for generations to come.