Deputy Manager – Nursery – Birmingham
Overview
Are you an experienced childcare professional ?
We’re looking for a permanent, reliable, and enthusiastic Early Years professional to join the leadership team of a newly opening nursery as a Deputy Manager.
In this role, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the smooth and effective day-to-day running of the nursery. You’ll help to maintain high standards of care and education, support staff across rooms, and contribute to a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for all children.
This is a varied and rewarding position, offering opportunities to use your initiative, creativity, and professional knowledge to make a real difference every day.
If you’re passionate about early childhood education, have strong leadership skills, and are ready to make a positive impact, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Manager in the overall administration of the nursery.
- To be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Nursery as deputy nursery manager, including coordinating daily schedules, activities, and routines to ensure smooth operation.
- To assist the Manager in the overall administration of the nursery.
- To ensure the national standards for the registration of childcare are maintained at all times.
- To implement the Nursery’s Equal Opportunities Policy in all aspects of the Nursery and other childcare services.
- To take responsibility for quality assurance and compliance with all applicable legislation, regulatory and licensing requirements within the Nursery environment.
- To develop and review applicable policies and procedures and then to ensure that the Nursery operates within the framework set.
- To establish and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies providing services within the area such as Early Years Department, local childcare/educational providers, health providers, Sure Start and other providers.
- To take part in the recruitment process
- To receive and deal with complaints positively in accordance with procedures.
- To be responsible for marketing the Nursery through the development and implementation of marketing strategy which includes the promotion of Children’s Tax credits and other benefits available to parents.
- To support a team of staff to meet statutory ratios and include contingency staffing where appropriate.
- To assist in managing the day care centre’s budget and resources.
- To Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, and other relevant information.
- To Prepare reports and documentation as required.
- To Support in marketing and outreach efforts to promote the day care centre.
- To provide support in hiring, training, and mentoring day care staff.
- Conduct regular staff meetings and training sessions.
- To work with the Nursery Manager in agreeing developmental plans for each member of staff which support the further development of the Nursery.
- Implement a programme of supervision, performance management and an appraisal, providing constructive feedback.
- To attend regular supervision, team meetings, and training as required by the Nursery Manager and Operations Director.
- Ensure staff adhere to policies, procedures, and best practices in child care.
- To work with the Nursery Manager in managing staff sickness and absence in accordance with procedures.
- To provide a child-centred environment where children are cared for in a safe, caring and stimulating way that ensures their individual needs are met within a group setting.
- To foster a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment for children.
- To ensure the physical, emotional, and social well-being of all children in the centre
- To establish and deliver an effective curriculum which includes assessment, planning and evaluation following the Montessori Early Years curriculum.
- Oversee the planning and implementation of age-appropriate activities and educational programs.
- To develop and maintain procedures for regular review and assessment of each child’s progress in partnership with parents.
- Monitor children's progress and development, and communicate with parents regularly.
- Ensure the day care centre meets all health, safety, and cleanliness standards and regulations.
- Implement and oversee emergency procedures and protocols.
- Be aware of the outcome of risk assessments and fully implementing the specific controls.
- Conduct regular safety drills and inspections in line with nursery policies and procedures.
- Be aware and observant of all health and safety issues, and address any concerns promptly and effectively in order to reduce the risk of incident or accident. .
- Completing, keeping and monitoring accident, incident and risk assessment records effectively.
- Ensuring the Nursery medicine procedures are adhered to.
- Maintaining allergy management systems in line with the nursery policy.
- To build and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians.
- To implement and manage an effective parent liaison programme, ensuring regular communication and interaction with parents.
- To address parental concerns and feedback professionally and effectively.
- To organize parent meetings, conferences, and events.
- To provide regular updates on children's activities and progress.
- To handle inquiries and communications from parents and guardians.
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a nursery setting.
- Proficient in basic computer applications (MS Office, email, etc.).
- Patience, compassion, and a genuine love for working with babies and young children.
- Ability to handle emergencies and stressful situations calmly.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to handle emergencies and stressful situations calmly.
Qualifications
- NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent (essential)
- GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths (essential).
- NCFE CACHE Level 4 / 5 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent (desirable)
- Level 3 SEND qualification (desirable)
- Level 3 Leadership & management training (desirable)
- Degree in appropriate subject including Early Years Care, Finance, Business, Marketing. (desirable)
CPD
- Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
- Current Safeguarding certification.
- Current COSHH certification.
- Current Food and Hygiene certification.
Other Requirements
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
- Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
- Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.
