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Experienced Deputy Manager For Day Nursery

Wonderland Nursery is a lively, loving nursery. We are well-established in the town of Cudworth, with children aged 0–5 visiting our setting where they are free to explore, grow, and thrive. Our team is passionate in creating a safe and thriving setting for our little ones to discover their world, one step at a time.

What You’ll Be Doing

This is a unique opportunity to join a nursery with a fresh vision and contribute significantly to shaping the continued success of Wonderland Nursery.

Your mission includes:

Leadership & Management:

Lead, mentor, inspire and motivate a team of early years practitioners and auxiliary staff.

Conduct regular supervisions, appraisals, and team meetings

Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture

Manage staff rotas, recruitment, and onboarding

Oversee planning and delivery of the EYFS curriculum

Ensure activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive

Monitor children’s progress and support key workers with assessments

Champion SEN inclusion and work closely with external agencies

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Ensure all policies and procedures are up to date and followed

Maintain health & safety standards and risk assessments

Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections with confidence

Operations & Strategy:

Manage nursery budgets, invoicing, and occupancy targets

Build strong relationships with parents, carers, the Local Authorities and the wider community

Promote the nursery through marketing and local engagement

Report to directors and contribute to strategic planning

Who You Are

You’re not just experienced—you’re exceptional. You’ve got the qualifications, the know-how, and the positive and optimistic attitude to inspire and lead those around you.

Essential Qualifications:

• Level 3 or above in Childcare/Early Years Education
• Paediatric First Aid (12-hour)
• Safeguarding Level 2 or higher
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training (or willingness to complete)
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Health & Safety training

Preferred Qualifications:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children and Young People’s Services
• SENCO training or experience
• Management or business qualification

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years in a nursery leadership/managerial role
• Proven track record of successful Ofsted inspections
• Experience and proven track record of managing teams, budgets, and operational systems
• Strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, and EYFS
• Confident communicator with parents, staff, and external professionals

What You Get

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Additional leave after long service, up to 33 days holiday (including bank holidays and birthday off)
• Paid lunch breaks
• 25% discount in childcare fees at our setting.
• Employer contributions to Pension scheme with option to opt-out.
• Funded CPD opportunities.

Wonderland Nursery is dedicated to keeping our little treasures safe. Successful applicants will be subject to reference checks and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before commencing employment.