Deputy Nursery Manager Early Years

Position: Deputy Nursery Manager – Early Years
Location: Oxfordshire

Interim Deputy Nursery Manager – Early Years

We are currently recruiting an experienced Interim Deputy Nursery Manager for a well-established early years setting on a rolling placement. This is a full-time, term-time only role, ideal for a confident early years professional who can start as soon as possible.

This position is within an all-ability setting; while SEND specialist experience is not required, the Interim Deputy Nursery Manager may work with children with additional needs as part of an inclusive environment.

Key Information

•

Start Date:

2nd February

•

Hours:

7:30am – 3:30pm

•

Contract:

Full time, term time only

• Salary: £27,000 per annum

The Role – Day-to-Day Duties

As Interim Deputy Nursery Manager, you will support the Nursery Manager/Supervisor in the effective daily running of the setting while remaining hands-on and in ratio.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the daily operational management of the nursery

• Working directly with children across the setting, remaining in ratio at all times

• Planning and delivering engaging, developmentally appropriate activities in line with the EYFS

• Supervising indoor and outdoor play and ensuring a safe, nurturing learning environment

• Working with all children, including those with SEND, ensuring inclusion and appropriate support

• Acting as a Key Worker, including:

• Completing observations and assessments

• Maintaining learning journeys

• Monitoring progress and supporting next steps

• Ensuring safeguarding, health and safety, and welfare procedures are followed at all times

• Supporting staff with daily routines, best practice, and expectations

• Assisting with administrative and leadership duties, including:

• Collection and monitoring of assessment data

• Supporting planning, audits, and documentation

• Assisting the Manager/Supervisor with assessments and reporting

Person Specification

• A relevant Early Years qualification, such as:

• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education (or equivalent)

• Level 5 or above in Early Years, Childcare, or Leadership (desirable)

• Recent experience working within an early years or nursery setting

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development

• A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and procedures

• Experience as a Key Worker, including observations, assessments, and learning journeys

• Confidence supporting children with a range of needs, including SEND

• Confident working in a senior or leadership capacity while remaining hands-on

• Strong organisational and communication skills

• Flexible, reliable, and adaptable in an interim role

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Interim Deputy Nursery Manager, Room Leader, Senior Practitioner, or EYFS Teacher

• Experience supporting inspections, audits, or internal quality assurance

• Confidence using early years assessment or tracking systems

• Ability to support, guide, and motivate staff as part of a team

Why Apply?

• Leadership opportunity within a supportive early years environment as Interim Deputy Nursery Manager

• Term-time only hours supporting work–life balance

• Competitive salary for an interim post

• Opportunity to make an immediate impact