Job Ref No. ECC2669232-17S Position Type: Deputy/Assistant of Department/Faculty Pay Range: POA
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 24/07/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 24/07/2026
Hours: 30 hours over 50 weeks. Monday, Thursday and Friday 7.30am – 6pm
Who we’re looking for?
A confident and passionate early years professional who enjoys helping teams succeed and children flourish.
An individual who has rounded experience and skills of working in early years provisions with the ability to support a team in providing best practice.
As an individual you will have the ability to strategically apply solutions for challenging situations towards best outcomes.
You will be an excellent communicator and be expected to liaise with families, professionals and potential customers of the setting to build good relationships, as well as professionals who visit the setting.
This role offers the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while making a meaningful difference in children’s learning journeys.
What your role will look like?
- Support the day-to-day leadership and smooth running of the nursery
- Inspire and guide educators to deliver outstanding early years practice
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and compliance
- Build strong partnerships with families and the local community
- Support team development through coaching, mentoring and feedback
- Help prepare for Ofsted inspections and maintain regulatory standards
- Contribute to continuous improvement across educational quality, team engagement and nursery performance
What experience and qualifications must I have to apply?
- A diploma of at least level 3 in early years education
- To work under the direction of the setting manager and deputise for, as and when required
- To support the vision, mission and values of the organisation and assist the manager in the organisation of the establishment to ensure a high-quality childcare and education; to include the tracking, monitoring and review of provision.
- You will have a sound knowledge of child protection and safeguarding matters
- Strong knowledge of EYFS, Birth to 5 Matters and child development
- Assist in the leading and implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and any other legal/statutory frameworks
- Strong experience of working in an early years setting and a track record of delivering a high standard of care and education; ideally in a similar role of or room leader role
- Experience of strong practice as a Key Person and in implementing safeguarding, health and safety, first aid and critical care policies.
- Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills
- Most importantly, you will bring energy, empathy and ambition to create a nursery where children and educators thrive
- To direct and support staff accordingly
- Pediatric first aid trained
- Social and Emotional training
- Elklan trained
Diversity and Inclusion
At Little Pumpkins, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
Safeguarding
Little Pumpkins is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity. In line with Safer Recruitment guidance, online searches (including social media) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Tracy StarlingThe Early YearsUnit 2The Avenue, LawfordEssex, CO11 2FRTelephone: 01206 413186Email: tracy@lawfordslittlepumpkins.co.uk
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