Exciting Job Opportunity for a Deputy Manager, Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
We are looking for a passionate, committed and fun individual for this special role looking after children aged from 2 to 4 years old in our pre-school. You will be working alongside the Manager of the pre-school to provide safe, high quality education and care for pre-school children; to fulfil legal and statutory requirements; to lead and manage staff as requested and to update and to implement pre-school policies.
You will need the following qualities to join the existing Jelly Beans team:
An excellent communicator, organised, and will enjoy working as part of a team.
Join Our Vibrant Montessori Community as Deputy Manager
Are you passionate about early years education and inspired by the Montessori philosophy? Do you have strong leadership skills and a desire to nurture children's potential in a warm, supportive setting? We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Deputy Manager to join our Montessori Pre-School team. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact on young learners and their families, we would love to hear from you.
Location:
Our Montessori Pre-School is located in a welcoming and accessible area, surrounded by green spaces and a vibrant local community. The school is easily reachable by public transport and provides a safe, inspiring environment for children ages 2-5 years.
Hours:
· Full-time position (40 hours per week)
· 4 days a week, with occasional meetings and events outside of core hours
Salary:
A competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
About Us
Our Montessori Pre-School is committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to become confident, independent, and lifelong learners. We follow the Montessori approach, placing each child at the centre of their learning journey and supporting the development of their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical skills.
Our dedicated team works closely together to create a harmonious and enriching atmosphere. We value the involvement of families and the wider community, and we celebrate diversity and inclusivity in all that we do.
About the Role
As Deputy Manager, you will work alongside the Pre-School Manager to support the daily running of the setting and uphold the highest standards of Montessori practice and care. You will have a key leadership role, guiding and motivating the team, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and fostering a positive, child-centred culture.
Your responsibilities will include:
· Supporting the Manager in the day-to-day operations of the pre-school, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment
· Delivering high-quality Montessori teaching and care, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
· Providing guidance and leadership to staff, offering mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities
· Overseeing the planning and implementation of the Montessori curriculum, ensuring personalised learning experiences for all children
· Building positive relationships with children and their families, supporting transitions, and maintaining open communication
· Assisting with administrative duties, including record-keeping, staff rotas, and health and safety procedures
· Ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are always followed and promoting a culture of vigilance and care
· Managing the setting in the Manager's absence and deputising as required
· Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the pre-school community
· Contributing to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the setting
About You
We are looking for a Deputy Manager who is committed, organised, and passionate about early years education. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of the Montessori method and possess the skills to inspire both children and adults.
Essential requirements:
· Hold at least a full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education (e.g., CACHE, NVQ, or equivalent)
· Significant experience working with children in an early years setting, preferably within a Montessori environment
· Strong understanding of the EYFS framework and safeguarding responsibilities
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with children, families, and staff
· Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience supervising or mentoring colleagues
· Organised, proactive, and flexible approach to work
· Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice
· Up-to-date DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)
· First Aid qualification (or willingness to train)
Desirable:
· Montessori Diploma or Certificate
· Experience supporting children with additional needs
· Familiarity with digital record-keeping and management systems
What We Offer
By joining our team, you will benefit from:
· A supportive, collaborative, and friendly working environment
· Ongoing professional development and training opportunities, including Montessori-specific courses
· Opportunities to progress within the organisation
· Regular supervision and access to mentoring
· Generous annual leave entitlement
· Childcare discount for staff members
· Participation in staff wellbeing and social events
· Wellbeing package including a rewards system and an extra personal day off per term
· Access to resources and materials to enhance your Montessori practice
How to Apply
If you are enthusiastic about fostering children's development and inspired by Montessori philosophy, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the Deputy Manager role. Be sure to include details of your relevant qualifications, experience, and a brief statement about your approach to early years education and leadership.
· Applications should be emailed to: lisa.jellybeansmontessori
· Interviews will be held on a rolling basis and early application is encouraged
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Equal Opportunities
We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and children.
Join Us and Make a Difference
If you are ready to inspire, lead, and create an environment where children can flourish, take the next step in your career with us. As Deputy Manager, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our pre-school and supporting every child to reach their full potential.
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our Montessori family
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £14.50 per hour
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
* Tell us about your passion for working with children
Work Location: In person