Nursery Deputy Manager

Nursery Deputy Manager

We are looking for an an exceptional Deputy Manger to join our brand-new Inspire Day Nursery. We are building a new nursery group based on more than 25 years of early years experience, including our own extensive experience as practitioners, Deputy Managers and nursery Managers. The nursery is scheduled to open in January 2027.

Our Deputy Manager will work very closely with the Nursery Manager, with a main focus on the children, the team, the learning environment, safety and the quality of practice across the nursery.

· We have reduced unnecessary paperwork and moved much of the administration to our head office team, allowing the Deputy Manager to stay closely involved in the day-to-day life of the setting. We want the role to be visible, supportive and focused on maintaining high standards where they matter most. It is not a role that will involve sitting in the office all day.

· We are looking for someone who is willing to keep learning and developing. Our Leadership Programme has been developed and refined over many years of real nursery management experience and gives both new and experienced leaders practical skills they can use every day. The wider leadership team will complete the programme too, creating a consistent approach across the nursery and giving the Deputy Manager a stronger, well-prepared team around them.

· Our four core values are Family, Discovery, Well-being and Happiness. These are not just words we add to our website or put on a wall - they are the foundation we want the nursery to be built on and should be reflected in how children, families and colleagues are treated and managed every day.

· The Deputy Manager will also take a lead role in our Inspire Minds programme, helping us make sure the well-being of both children and practitioners remains a real priority.

· We want our leaders to manage people in the same way we will manage them: with respect, kindness, honesty, clear expectations and genuine support.

· We are also careful about the people we recruit. We want a team of warm, friendly and positive practitioners who genuinely care about children and about each other. That gives our Deputy Manager a strong team to lead and support from the outset.

The successful candidate must hold a recognised Level 3 early years qualification or higher and have previous leadership experience within a nursery, either as a Deputy Manager or room leader.

We have only one Deputy Manager position available initially and, based on the interest we received before formally advertising the role, we expect a high number of applications. If you believe you have the skills, personality and leadership qualities to succeed with Inspire, we would love to meet you — so apply now and we will be in touch.

A full list of benefits for this role will be discussed at interview. The role will either be 40 hours over four days (7.15am-6.15pm) or 40 hours over 5 days.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role is subject to safer recruitment procedures and appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which must be completed before an appointment is confirmed.

Work Location: In person