Deputy Manager

Deputy Nursery Manager – Princes Risborough

Location: Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Hours: 40 Hours per Week

Help Build Something Special. Be Part of Our Next Chapter.

At Ashbourne Day Nurseries, we believe that great nurseries are built by great people. We're looking for a passionate, experienced and ambitious Deputy Nursery Manager to join our Princes Risborough nursery and play a key role in its exciting next chapter.

This isn't just another Deputy Nursery Manager opportunity.

You'll be working closely with our Senior Nursery Manager, becoming their trusted second-in-command and helping to shape the future of a nursery with incredible potential.

We've already made significant investments in our Princes Risborough setting, including a full refurbishment, ongoing improvements and an outdoor garden that has doubled in size, with even more exciting developments planned.

Now, we're looking for someone who shares our vision and enthusiasm to help bring everything together.

From developing and strengthening our team to supporting the relaunch of our baby unit, growing occupancy and building lasting relationships with families, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine and lasting impact.

If you're a natural leader who loves developing people, thrives on a challenge and wants to be part of something meaningful, we'd love to meet you.

A Little About Us

Since opening our first nursery in Milton Keynes in 2008, Ashbourne Day Nurseries has continued to grow, creating welcoming, nurturing and inspiring environments where children can learn, explore and thrive.

Our nurseries are wonderfully individual, from purpose-built settings to charming converted buildings and countryside locations. While each has its own personality, they all share the same commitment to providing exceptional childcare and early years education.

We're passionate about recognising the potential in our nurseries and our people.

As we continue to grow, we're committed to investing in our settings, supporting our teams and creating opportunities for our colleagues to develop and progress.

Our Princes Risborough nursery is a fantastic example of that commitment.

We're investing in its future, developing our facilities and strengthening our leadership team to create a setting that children, families and colleagues can be truly proud of.

And we'd love you to be part of that journey.

An Opportunity to Make a Real Difference

We know that building a successful nursery takes more than beautiful facilities.

It takes strong leadership, a motivated team, exceptional standards and a shared passion for giving children the very best start in life.

Our Princes Risborough nursery is entering an exciting period of development, and we're looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager who wants to play an active part in that transformation.

Working alongside our Senior Nursery Manager, you'll help develop a positive, supportive and accountable team culture, champion high-quality practice and contribute to the continued growth and success of the setting.

We also recognise that every nursery has its own journey and challenges. We believe in being open about those challenges, investing in the right people and giving our teams the support they need to succeed.

You'll be encouraged to bring your ideas, share your experience and help shape the nursery's future.

This is your opportunity to do more than support a nursery. It's your opportunity to help shape one.

What You'll Be Doing

As our Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll play an integral role in the day-to-day leadership and development of the nursery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with our Senior Nursery Manager to ensure the smooth and effective running of the setting.

• Leading by example to deliver exceptional childcare and early years education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

• Championing safeguarding, children's wellbeing and a strong culture of safety throughout the nursery.

• Supporting, coaching and mentoring colleagues to build a confident, motivated and high-performing team.

• Taking responsibility for the nursery in the Senior Nursery Manager's absence.

• Helping to strengthen team culture, promote accountability and create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

• Playing an active role in the relaunch and continued development of our baby unit.

• Supporting recruitment, induction, staff development and retention.

• Building positive, trusting relationships with parents, carers and the wider community.

• Maintaining high standards of compliance with Ofsted, EYFS, health and safety and safeguarding requirements.

• Supporting occupancy growth through excellent parent experiences, effective communication and community engagement.

• Contributing ideas and initiatives that support the nursery's ongoing improvement and long-term success.

What We Can Offer You

At Ashbourne Day Nurseries, we believe our people deserve to feel recognised, valued and supported.

As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Welcome Bonus – a little extra to celebrate joining the Ashbourne family.

• Additional Commuting Bonus – available for eligible candidates travelling from outside the Princes Risborough area.

• Your Birthday Off – because your special day deserves celebrating.

• Employee of the Month Recognition – celebrating the people who make a difference.

• Regular Team Events and Staff Outings – opportunities to connect, celebrate and have fun together.

• Health & Wellbeing Benefits – supporting you inside and outside of work.

• Refer a Friend Bonus Scheme – rewarding you for introducing great people to our team.

• Staff Discounts – additional benefits to support you and your family.

• Ongoing Training and Professional Development – helping you continue to learn, develop and grow.

• Genuine Career Progression – opportunities to progress into Nursery Manager, Senior Nursery Manager and beyond as our group continues to grow.

Most importantly, you'll be joining a business that wants to invest in your future and give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Welcome and commuting bonuses are subject to eligibility and applicable terms and conditions.

About You

We're looking for someone who brings a combination of experience, passion, resilience and a genuine desire to make a difference.

You might already be an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager looking for a new challenge, a Third in Charge ready to take the next step, or an ambitious Room Leader with strong leadership experience and the drive to progress.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• A recognised Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent.

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience within an Early Years setting.

• A strong understanding of the EYFS framework, safeguarding responsibilities and Ofsted requirements.

• A positive, proactive and hands-on approach to leadership.

• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop others.

• Confidence in supporting operational responsibilities, maintaining standards and making decisions.

• Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.

• A willingness to embrace change, contribute ideas and help drive improvements.

• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding childcare and creating the best possible experiences for children and families.

Above all, we're looking for someone who leads with kindness, confidence and integrity, someone who understands that great leadership is about bringing people together and helping them achieve their best.

Why Join Our Princes Risborough Nursery?

Because this is more than a job. It's an opportunity to be part of something exciting.

You'll be joining us at a pivotal point in our nursery's journey, with significant investment already underway, an exciting baby unit relaunch and a clear vision for the future.

You'll work alongside an experienced Senior Nursery Manager, have the opportunity to influence positive change and see the impact of your hard work first-hand.

We want someone who will be proud to say they helped shape the next chapter of our Princes Risborough nursery.

And in return, we'll support you in writing the next chapter of your own career.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you're looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager role where your ideas are welcomed, your contribution genuinely matters and your development is encouraged, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Ashbourne Day Nurseries and help us create something special in Princes Risborough.

Apply today – we'd love to start a conversation.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Ashbourne Day Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all employees to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate pre-employment checks, satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including the relevant barred list check where applicable.

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.