Deputy Nursery Manager, Little Owls @ Ainthorpe

Role open to applications: Until 10th July 2026. Interview date TBC.

Salary: £30,600 FTE per annum (£14.71 per hour) paid into your bank account monthly.

Hours of work: 30 to 40 hours per week, shift patterns to be discussed at interview. Flexibility is required between Monday to Friday during opening hours of 7:30am and 6:00pm such that the days and times at which those hours will be worked will be reviewed and determined at the absolute discretion of the hospice on a termly basis to meet the needs of the business. You will be notified of your working pattern, start and finish times by your Line Manager.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy Manager to join Little Owls @ Ainthorpe. This vital role involves supporting the management team in delivering high-quality childcare within a nurturing and safe environment. The Deputy Manager will play a key part in leading staff, engaging with children, and ensuring the smooth daily operation of the nursery. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, childcare experience, and excellent communication abilities to foster a positive setting for children’s early development. This is a paid position suitable for individuals passionate about early childhood education and committed to professional growth.

Responsibilities:
To work under the direction of the Nursery Manager and deputise for her in her absence.
To support the vision of the nursery and to assist the Nursery Manager in creating a caring, safe, nurturing learning environment for all children, the staff and volunteers involved in their care.
Assist the Nursery Manager with the day to day running and management of the nursery, ensuring all policies and procedures are adhered to and that high-quality childcare and learning is achieved for every child and to support the nursery management team with implementing and reviewing improvement plan targets for those employees not meeting the company requirements.
Provide leadership and inspiration to staff and volunteers at the nursery and encourage and support their professional development as agreed by the Nursery Manager
In conjunction with the Nursery Manager ensure compliance of all relevant legislation including the General Data Protection Regulations, The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, The SEND Code of Practice 2014 and any guidance published by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).

Experience:
A minimum of a full and relevant level 3 Early Years qualification as defined by the DfE.
At least two years’ experience of working in an Early Years setting at a senior level or equivalent experience.
Proven leadership skills.
Extensive knowledge of Child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and the ability to support Nursery Practitioners and Students/ Volunteers to develop their own understanding and implementation of this.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent, organisational, planning and time management skills.
A caring and approachable manner.
Experience of working closely with parents and other agencies and sensitively handling potentially difficult conversations where necessary
Passionate about working in conjunction with the nursery manager to develop a high-quality childcare and early education facility.
A strong leader who is enthusiastic, leads by example, is hands on and is a positive role model to all staff children and families.
Ability to maintain high standards of organisation, planning and time management and to ensure all nursery assistants and practitioners working in your area are fulfilling their own job description and to support the nursery manager with implementing and reviewing improvement plan targets for those not meeting the company requirements.

Staff benefits:
22 days per annum plus bank holidays. All holiday entitlements are pro-rata for part time workers.
Free uniform
Option to purchase a week’s leave
Death in service insurance cover of 3 x annual salary
Option to join an employee Christmas savings club
Access to a ‘Employee Assistance Program’
Pension with an employer’s contribution of 5% against an employee contribution of 5%.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a committed childcare professional eager to develop their career within a supportive team dedicated to providing exceptional early years education.

Please download our recruitment pack for more information about this exciting opportunity.