You have done the Room Leader role. You know how a good nursery should run. Now you want a position where your opinion carries some weight.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is recruiting an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager for a warm and ambitious early years setting in Catford, South East London.
This is a full-time leadership opportunity within a smaller, independently run nursery where the owners remain actively involved and the senior team has genuine influence over how the setting develops.
Rather than becoming one manager among dozens in a large organisation, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager and owners, supporting practitioners, driving quality and helping shape the culture of the nursery.
The setting follows a play-based approach rooted in the EYFS, with a strong focus on children's individual development, inclusion and close partnerships with families.
What you'll be doing: Supporting the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day leadership of the setting Taking responsibility for the nursery when the Manager is unavailable Leading and supporting practitioners to deliver consistently high-quality early years practice Coaching staff and helping them develop their confidence and performance Monitoring standards across care, education and children's experiences Ensuring the EYFS is embedded effectively throughout the setting Maintaining excellent safeguarding and child protection practice Supporting staff supervision, development and professional conversations Helping organise staffing and effective deployment throughout the nursery day Building strong and professional relationships with parents and carers Supporting inclusive practice and ensuring children's individual needs are recognised Contributing to quality improvement and preparation for Ofsted Helping maintain accurate policies, records and regulatory requirements Supporting the development of a positive, collaborative staff culture Bringing ideas, solutions and initiative to the wider leadership team What we're looking for: A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification as a minimum Previous senior experience within a nursery or early years setting Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, Room Leader or similar leadership experience Strong knowledge of the EYFS Excellent safeguarding knowledge Confidence leading and supporting other practitioners Strong communication and organisational skills A proactive and solutions-focused approach The ability to build positive relationships with staff and families A genuine interest in improving quality rather than simply maintaining routines
Previous experience supporting an Ofsted inspection would be particularly useful.
DSL, SENCO or Paediatric First Aid experience would also be advantageous, although these are not essential requirements. These are specifically highlighted by the setting in its current Deputy Manager recruitment.
What's on offer: £36,000 to £42,000 per year Permanent, full-time employment Supportive and approachable ownership team Opportunity to genuinely influence nursery practice and culture Ongoing professional development Leadership support and mentoring Opportunities for career progression Supportive and collaborative team environment Strong focus on staff wellbeing Small, independently run nursery environment Opportunity to play a key part in the future development of the setting
This is a particularly good move for someone who wants their first substantial Deputy Manager position.
The nursery's own careers information places a clear emphasis on ongoing professional development, staff wellbeing and opportunities for career growth, while the current Deputy vacancy specifically highlights the opportunity to influence practice and work closely with an actively involved ownership team.
There is evidence of internal progression within the setting too. One member of the current leadership team joined the nursery in 2016 before progressing into a Deputy Manager position the following year.
If you're looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager job in Catford, an Early Years Deputy Manager job in Lewisham or a nursery leadership role in South East London, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.