Job Description
Nursery Manager (Development Opportunity for High-Performing Deputies)
Location: Kids 1st QE GatesheadSalary: £32,000-£35,000 per annum DOEContract: Permanent, Full-time
About usWe are the UK’s leading early years providers, operating a large network of nurseries focused on delivering high-quality childcare and early education.
What this means for you is the chance to lead your nursery with real confidence, backed by a large, supportive organisation that helps you focus on what you do best. You’ll benefit from strong operational support, ongoing training, and clear progression opportunities to grow your career.
You’ll also have the freedom to shape your setting in a way that reflects your leadership style and makes a real difference in your local community. If you’re a passionate early years professional ready for your next step, this is your opportunity to grow with us.
About the opportunity and why this role is different
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager who is ready to progress into a full Nursery Manager role.
You will take full leadership responsibility for a nursery, supported by a strong regional team and central support teams.
We are looking for someone who is already performing at a high level in a deputy role and is ready to step into broader ownership, decision-making, and leadership accountability.
You will be trusted with autonomy from day one, supported by a strong regional and central structure designed to help you succeed, not micro-manage you.
We are committed to developing internal talent and supporting ambitious early years professionals to progress into leadership roles across our organisation.
About the benefits
Up to 25% annual salary bonus Up to 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays) Your birthday off – our gift to you! Substantial childcare discount Ongoing professional development & training Access to our Hive benefits platform – with exclusive retail discounts and wellbeing resources Enhanced family leave & return-to-work bonus Menopause support, financial wellbeing tools, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to Work scheme & easy-access pension plan Discounted private medical insurance Opportunities to travel internationally and explore best practices in early years education with our talent exchange programme
And that’s just the beginning! Our Hive Wellbeing Hub also offers mental health support, a dedicated Celebrating You space to recognise your achievements, and a Grow With Us programme to fuel your career ambitions.
About Our Gateshead QE Nursery
Our Gateshead QE nursery, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, offers a warm, welcoming space for up to 108 children. With excellent transport links (a 2-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, 5 minutes from Low Fell town centre, and close to the A1 and Durham), plus complimentary onsite parking, getting here is easy.
Key responsibilities
* Step into full Nursery Manager responsibility for a well-supported setting
* Lead and develop a high-performing early years team
* Ensure high standards of care, education, safeguarding, and compliance
* Drive continuous improvement in practice and outcomes for children
* Take ownership of staffing, performance, and day-to-day operations
* Build strong relationships with families and your local community
* Work with regional leadership to support quality and occupancy goals
About you
We are looking for a Deputy Manager who is ready for progression and can demonstrate:
* Strong, proven performance in a Deputy Nursery Manager role preferably supernumery
* Confidence leading rooms, staff, or key areas of a setting
* Solid understanding of EYFS and Ofsted expectations
* Experience supporting inspections or quality improvement work
* The ability to lead teams, influence practice, and manage responsibility
* A clear ambition to step into full nursery leadership
You may already be acting up into manager responsibilities or leading significant areas of your current setting.
Qualifications and Experience:
* NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3.
* Experience as a Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager.
* Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
* A focus on delivering high-quality childcare and early education.
Apply now
If you are a Deputy Nursery Manager ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.