Deputy Nursery Manager

Contract/Hours: Permanent/Full Time – 40 hours per week

Closing Date: Midnight on the 6th of February 2026

• Time off to recharge – 25 days plus bank holidays
• 24/7 Confidential Helpline - speak to trained counsellors any time, 365 days a year, for emotional, wellbeing or mental health support.
• Enhanced Wellbeing -8 sessions In-Person, Phone, or Online Counselling or CBT
• Treat yourself - Staff discounts portal and blue light card with 15,000 & retailers
• Childcare Discount – Enjoy 60% off childcare within our nurseries and out of school clubs
• Up to 3 Days Dependency Leave – to care for dependents in an emergency.
• Paid maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
• Gain professional qualifications - with excellent training/development opportunities
• Salary Finance - access to financial advice and the ability to manage savings or loans directly from your salary
• Secure your future - Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover

Why Spring Nurseries

Imagine a place where laughter echoes, imaginations run wild, and every day is new adventure. At Spring Nurseries, where more than a collection of settings, we are a family, dedicated to nurturing children to thrive and supporting staff through a clear career pathway.

About the nursery

Spring Layfield is based at Layfield Primary School, caring for children aged 3 months to 4 years with a wrap around and holiday provision including breakfast and after school clubs for children up to 11 years.

Our two bright, child-centred rooms encourage independence and exploration, with free flow access to beautiful outdoor areas, a forest school, and allotment. We're proud of our strong partnership with the primary school being fully engaged with the local community.

About the Role

The Deputy Manager is a full-time role, combining direct work with children and leadership responsibilities. You will work predominantly with the children while also supporting the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day management, administration, and leadership tasks.

You will help lead and support the staff team, maintaining high standards of care, learning, and safeguarding, and contribute to the smooth and effective running of the nursery.

This role requires strong communication, organisation, and the ability to balance direct work with children alongside managerial responsibilities.

What we need from you

Our successful candidate will have an enthusiastic and pro-active mindset with a positive attitude and have the ability to assist in leading a team to form strong and supportive relationships with the parents, children and the team.

Our Job Description outlines the requirements of the role, but the ‘must haves' are:

• Minimum level 3 qualification in Childcare or Early Years.
• Leadership or management experience, in a childcare setting.
• Experience of working in a senior role within a nursery setting or centre working with children aged 0 to 5 years and their families.
• Knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements and relevant current legislation.
• Understanding of child protection processes, safeguarding and working with vulnerable children.
• Commitment to inclusive and non-discriminatory working practice with children, families, colleagues and the community.

Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our mission to give children a healthy start in life.

Good luck! We can't wait to hear from you.