Trainee Nursery Manager (Deputy Ready to Step Up)

Job summary

About Us

We are Alexander House Nursery, a family-owned and independent setting proudly celebrating our 5th anniversary this year. We care for children aged 9 months to 5 years, offering a nurturing environment where curiosity and creativity are encouraged every day.

Our approach focuses on STEM education and outdoor learning through play-based, hands-on experiences that inspire children to explore, question, and discover the world around them.

We’re a hardworking, passionate, and friendly team who love what we do — creating a space where both children and staff can learn, grow, and truly enjoy each day together.
 

About the Role

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious Trainee Nursery Manager to join our friendly Wandsworth team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Deputy Manager with significant leadership experience who is ready to take the next step in their career and develop into a confident and capable Nursery Manager.

You’ll be supported and mentored by our Senior Management Team, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of nursery leadership, from operational management to staff development and parent partnerships, while working toward full management responsibility.
 

Main Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring a safe, happy, and stimulating environment for children aged 9 months to 5 years.
• Work closely with senior management to gradually take on full leadership responsibilities.
• Inspire and guide your team to deliver outstanding care and an engaging EYFS curriculum.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers, encouraging open communication and involvement in their child’s development.
• Contribute to maintaining high standards of Ofsted compliance, safeguarding, inclusion and health and safety.
• Assist with staff rotas, supervisions, and performance reviews under guidance from senior leaders.
• Support administrative tasks such as admissions, occupancy tracking, and record-keeping.
• Take part in team meetings, training, and reflective practice to continue developing your management skills.
   

We’re Looking For

• A qualified Early Years professional (minimum Level 3).
• Significant experience as a Deputy Manager in a nursery setting.
• A strong understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted standards, and safeguarding procedures.
• A proactive, compassionate, and organised individual who is eager to learn and grow into a management role.
• A team player with great communication and leadership potential.
   

Working Hours

• Flexibility to work Monday to Friday, between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm
• 40 hours per week over 4 days
   

Benefits

• Your birthday off!
• 4-day work week for a better work-life balance
• Pension scheme
• Funded learning and development opportunities (including structured management training and leadership mentoring)
• Paid closures – 1 week in August and period over Christmas & New Year
• Private Health Insurance & Employee Assistance Programme
• Supportive, friendly team environment where you’ll be encouraged to grow
   

Safer Recruitment Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment offers are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, and completion of safer recruitment processes. References may be requested prior to interviews.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and children.

Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor applicants for this role.