Deputy Manager – Nursery – Bournemouth

Are you an experienced childcare professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for early years development?

We are looking to appoint a permanent full time reliable, trustworthy, and innovative early years professional to assist in creating a nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment for children.

As the Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the nursery. Your role will involve implementing policies, and maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children as well as supporting the staff, overseeing daily activities, and maintaining high standards of care and education. You will play a key role in creating a positive and inclusive environment for both children and staff. The role is very wide and will vary from day-to-day, taking account of the individual post holder’s talents and aptitudes as well as the needs of the children.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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)

• Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Current Safeguarding certification.
• Current COSHH certification.
• Current Food and Hygiene certification.

• 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)*.