Deputy Manager

Stepping Stones Nursery – HP7 0RL

Full time – 40 hours per week – 44 weeks per year

This role will be required to be available for opening and closing the nursery (7.45am – Open/ 5.30pm – Close)

Job Purpose

Supporting the Nursery Manager in the overall running of the Nursery.

Key Responsibilities

It is the nature of working in a nursery that tasks and responsibilities are on occasion unpredictable and varied, so to retain flexibility this duty description is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the Manager.

• Support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and statutory requirements, staff supervision, and curriculum delivery.
• Act as Manager and take full responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
• Assist with leading, motivating, and supporting the nursery team, undertaking supervisions, appraisals, performance reviews.
• Promote and model best practice across all rooms and age groups.
• Monitor staffing levels, assist with rota planning, and make operational decisions regarding staff deployment to ensure appropriate ratios and effective nursery operations.
• Escalate significant safeguarding, staffing, financial, compliance, or operational concerns to the Nursery Manager as appropriate.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting the implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures in line with statutory requirements.
• Ensure the safeguarding, welfare, and wellbeing of all children at all times.
• Promote children’s curiosity, creativity, independence, and development through engaging learning experiences.
• Monitor children’s progress and development to ensure individual needs are met and outcomes are maximised.
• Support staff in maintaining accurate observations, assessments, and learning records.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating, nurturing, and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff.
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with children, parents, carers, colleagues, and external agencies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, and EYFS requirements.
• Support the Nursery Manager in preparing for Ofsted inspections and quality assurance activities.
• Monitor and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to maintain and enhance the quality of provision.
• Ensure all nursery records, documentation, and regulatory requirements are completed accurately and maintained to a high standard.

Required Qualifications & Skills/Soft Skills

• Experience working in an early years setting.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
• Commitment to our values and ways of working.
• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or working towards one) is essential.
• Confident decision-maker with the ability to support, motivate and lead others.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and the EYFS framework.
• Ability to build positive partnerships with staff, parents/carers and external professionals.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to adapt communication for children and adults.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• SENDCO qualification desirable.

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