The Little Blue Door is a vibrant, forward-thinking, and imaginative children's nursery business based in the heart of Chichester. We provide personal, nurturing and high-quality childcare from 3 months to 4 years across four separate rooms, each tailored to the age of the children. Our ethos of 'developing little minds' is at the heart of everything we do - from our high-quality facilities and 2 unique outdoor spaces to home cooked food and varied activities, including weekly Forest School and regular exciting day trips. All creating wonderful memories and stimulating opportunities for our children.
We are looking for a skilled and experienced Deputy Nursery Manager to join our brilliant team in our setting based in the heart of Chichester. In this key role, you will closely support the Nursery Manager to create a welcoming setting, ensure smooth day-to-day operations, delivering the highest standards of care, education, and wellbeing for all our children to thrive.
This role is a blend of hands-on childcare delivery and office-based responsibilities. You will be a passionate and creative practitioner, dedicated to providing high-quality care and ensuring children thrive in a welcoming, nurturing environment. Alongside your childcare duties, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery—helping to lead and develop the team, maintaining the highest standards of practice, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, and contributing to the achievement of financial targets.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
* Minimum of NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare.
* A genuine passion for early years education and commitment to excellence.
* Excellent leadership, delegation, and team-building skills with a proactive hands-on approach.
* Outstanding interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with the team children, parents, and external stakeholders.
* Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to handle day-to-day operations, maintain accurate records, and multitask effectively.
* A creative, positive and approachable style with the ability to inspire those around you.
* Good numeracy and financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets, track financial performance and manage initiatives.
* Strong commercial awareness to support the nursery's continued growth and success.
This is a great opportunity for someone currently in a deputy role looking to take the next step to grow and develop, or someone ready for a new challenge.
This role will initially cover a period of maternity leave, but is offered on a permanent basis due to our exciting expansion plans.
If you are committed to providing outstanding childcare and want to make a real difference at The Little Blue Door, we would love to hear from you
HOURS OF WORK
This position is offered on a full time basis (an average of 45 hours per week) or part time hours will be considered for the right candidate. Please note part time hours must comprise a minimum of 4 days per week (to include a Monday) and a minimum of 2 x 'late' shifts per week to fulfil the operational requirements of the role.
Full time hours of work are normally worked on a rota basis Monday – Friday based on the following alternate weekly shift pattern working between the hours of 7.15am and 6.00pm based on:
Week 1: 3 x lates / 2 x early shifts
Week 2: 2 x lates / 3 x early shifts
WHAT WE OFFER:
We continuously look for new ways to reward our employees. We want everyone to enjoy their time at work, as well as being happy in their personal life.
* Competitive salary.
* Enhanced annual leave allowance
* Length of service bonus.
* Birthday bonus.
* Team Member of The Quarter rewards.
* Generous childcare discount at The Little Blue Door (up to 50%)
* City centre premises with easy access to transport links.
* Free uniform.
* Opportunity to work in a bright, spacious and well-equipped setting providing an advanced and nurturing environment.
* To work amongst a welcoming, supportive and experienced team.
* A fantastic team dynamic with regular team and social events;
* Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
* Funded DBS and renewal.
* On the job training and regular management support as well as external training opportunities;
* A lovely and separate 'team hub' area for break time.
* Flexible holiday and working hours;
* Early Christmas closure on 23rd December at 1pm
Please note: No agency applications will be accepted.
In order to apply, applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including reference checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore request for applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are 'spent' unless they are protected under DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Candidates should be aware that if shortlisted, an online search may be conducted as an additional safeguarding check.
Closing date: Monday 22 September 2025
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00 per year
Expected hours: No more than 45.5 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Childcare
* Company events
* Employee discount
* Referral programme
* Sabbatical
* Transport links
Education:
* Diploma of Higher Education (required)
Experience:
* Supervisory or Leadership: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* DBS (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person