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.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
* Minimum of NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare or equivalent.
* 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 skills
* Good commercial awareness to support the nursery's continued growth and success.
This role will initially cover a period of maternity leave but is offered on a permanent basis due to our exciting expansion plans.
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.
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 full time (average of 45 hours per week) or part time hours will be considered for the right candidate.
Full time hours of work are normally worked on a rota basis Monday – Friday based on an alternate weekly late/early shift pattern.
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.
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 benefits package including:
* Enhanced annual leave allowance.
* Length of service rewards.
* Birthday bonus.
* Team Member of The Quarter awards.
* Generous childcare discount / free childcare 50% employee discount).
* Recommend a Friend scheme.
* City centre premises with easy access to transport links.
* Free uniform.
* 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.
* Regular programme of team social events.
* Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
* Funded DBS and renewal.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you think you have what we need, we would love to hear from you.
For further details and/or to apply, please contact with your CV.
Closing date
: Tuesday 6 October 2025
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). Candidates should be aware that if shortlisted, an online search may be conducted as an additional safeguarding check.
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.
Each new team member brings a unique perspective, and we are always willing to further diversify. The Little Blue Door are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
In accordance with UK GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data and contact you in relation to this application.