Deputy Nursery Manager

Hoe Bridge School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Deputy Nursery Manager to support the leadership and day-to-day running of their nurturing and high-quality Greenfield Little School Early Years setting. As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager to ensure the smooth operation of the setting while maintaining the highest standards in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework and Ofsted requirements. You will play a key leadership role, supporting staff, engaging with families, and stepping up to lead the nursery in the manager's absence. This is a hands-on position, requiring flexibility and a willingness to support across all areas, including working directly with children in the classrooms, while contributing to continuous improvement, staff development, safeguarding practices, and the overall quality of care and education provided. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to delivering outstanding care and education.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  Support the daily running of the nursery, including staff rotas, health & safety checks, and maintaining accurate records.
• Child Development & Learning
  Deliver and support high-quality care and education, ensuring an engaging and effective EYFS curriculum for all children.
• Team Leadership & Support
  Mentor and supervise Room Leaders and Practitioners, contributing to inductions, supervisions, and appraisals.
• Safeguarding & Welfare
  Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, promoting a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for children, staff, and visitors.
• Parent Partnerships
  Build strong relationships with families, communicate children's progress, and support enquiries and nursery tours.
• Compliance & Standards
  Ensure the nursery consistently meets all statutory requirements and maintains excellent Ofsted standards.

Greenfield Little School is a well-established, nurturing early years setting providing high-quality care and education for children aged 6 months to 4+ years. Operating year-round, Little School supports each child's development and prepares them for a smooth transition into Reception in the September prior to their fifth birthday. As an integral part of Hoe Bridge School, it reflects the same ethos, combining a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a strong focus on purposeful learning and development.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare, education, or equivalent.
• Experience in a supervisory or Room Leader role within an Early Years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding procedures, and health & safety legislation.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a DSL or DDSL role.
• Knowledge and experience of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and Independent Schools Standards (ISSR).

Skills & Attributes:

• Confident leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond to emergencies.
• Competent IT skills for record-keeping and reporting.
• A caring, patient, and compassionate approach.
• Flexible, resilient, and genuinely passionate about early childhood education.

For full details of the role and to apply, please visit the Hoe Bridge School website:

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 1 May 2026

Hoe Bridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any person offered a position will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure.