Posted 24 April, 2026 Joint Colleges Nursery logo

Nursery Deputy Head

Joint Colleges Nursery Cambridgeshire

Job details

  • Salary £35,000 to £38,000 per annum
  • Role Deputy Manager / Assistant Manager
  • Hours Full Time
  • Location Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Job summary

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Nursery Deputy Head to support the day-to-day running of our warm, welcoming nursery.

About the Role
As Deputy Head, you will work closely with the Head of the Nursery and the Management Committee to ensure the highest standards of care, learning, and safeguarding are maintained. You’ll play a key role in supporting staff, building strong relationships with families, and creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. This role will include room-based responsibilities, including key children.

This is a full time role (37.5 hours per week) worked between 8.30am and 5.30pm on a rota basis

Key Responsibilities

  • Supporting the Nursery Head in the overall leadership and management of the setting
  • Supervising the Room Leaders and staff and assist them in their curriculum planning and childcare activities
  • Overseeing and assisting with the record-keeping of children’s learning and development in line with the EYFS framework.
  • Ensuring compliance with all safeguarding, health & safety, and regulatory requirements
  • Helping to lead and inspire the team to deliver outstanding early years education
  • Building strong partnerships with parents and carers
  • Stepping in as Head in their absence

What We’re Looking For

  • A Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years/Childcare
  • Previous experience in a leadership role within an early years setting (Room Leader/Third-in-Charge)
  • Strong knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding practices
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills
  • A genuine passion for providing high-quality childcare
  •  Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and/or SEND experience would be desirable

What We Offer

  • 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (increasing by one day for each year of service to a maximum of 30 days)
  • An extra day off for your birthday
  • Highly subsidised childcare within the nursery (up to a free place – age dependent)
  • Opportunity to join the company pension scheme
  • Training to enhance personal and professional development
  • Free home-cooked meals
  • Parking on site
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Interest-free travel loan

If you’re enthusiastic, motivated, and ready to make a real difference in children’s early years, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Friday 8 May 2026