Deputy Manager

Portland Nurseries Limited is a family-owned group of six day nurseries dedicated to providing the highest standards of early years care and education across our nurseries in Kirklees and Calderdale. We are passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering professional growth among our staff to ensure every child receives the best start in life.

Summary We are seeking a dedicated Deputy Manager to join our team at our Oakwood House Nursery in Edgerton. In this vital role, you will support the Nursery Manager ensuring the smooth operation of our nursery.

• Lead your room team and deliver the EYFS curriculum to a high standard
• Provide safe, inclusive, high=functional quality care supporting children’s development
• Maintain accurate child records and act as a key person
• Build strong partnerships with parents and external professionals
• Support children’s transitions and individual needs, including SEND

Ensure safeguarding, child protection, and food safety procedures are followed

Health & Safety

• Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and cleanliness
• Implement health and safety policies, risk assessments, and emergency procedures

Ensure staff training compliance, including first aid

• Support recruitment, induction, supervision, and development of staff and students
• Act as a role model, motivating and supporting the team

Assist with staffing rotas and ensure effective time management

Operational & Administration

• Support the manager with inspections, administration, and nursery promotion
• Assist with fee collection, petty cash, and record keeping

Use nursery software effectively

Communication

• Promote positive communication with parents, staff,ವಿಡ್ external agencies
• Support staff meetings, parent meetings, and nursery events

A minimum of 4 years post qualifying experience in a full day care setting

A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a supervisory role in a nursery

Experience of leading and supporting staff teams to improve practice

Education and Training

A Childcare and Education qualification equivalent to NVQ level 3

Knowledge

An understanding of the Early Yearspline Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum

An understanding of a play based approach to children’s learning and development and the importance of outdoor play

A sound knowledge of child development for children from birth to five years

Knowledge and understanding of the statutory framework for the EYFS and the inspection processes of regulatory bodies

Knowledge and understanding of the key legislation related to childcare and education

A sound knowledge of child protection

Skills and Abilities

Ability to develop effective relationships with colleagues, parents and outside agencies

Effective leadership skills

Experience in a Leadership role

Experience of quality assurance

A knowledge and understanding of research related to childcare and education

A higher level qualification in Early Years Childcare cò Education / Childhood Studies