Job Details
Deputy Nursery Manager
This is the start of an exciting journey for Yarm School with the opening of the Little Phoenix Nursery, September 2026. It is a chance to help set up and build a nursery that sets the benchmark for quality childcare and early years education in a brand new state of the art facility. Beautiful indoor & outdoor spaces will support the well-being of both children and staff, with the roof terrace offering a unique space to play. Situated close to Yarm high street the Deputy Manager will help build strong relationships with the wider community. While within the nursery they will have the opportunity to guide, coach & mentor educators new to their role, and be central in establishing an outstanding quality of care for babies & children aged 0-3 years.
The Deputy Manager supports the Nursery Manager and plays a key leadership role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality childcare, education, and operational excellence. This position requires strong leadership, strategic oversight, and a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
The Deputy Nursery Manager deputises fully for the Nursery Manager when required.
This job description is not exhaustive but outlines the main responsibilities and expectations of the role.
Key Responsibilities
Childcare and Education
* Ensure children in the nursery are safe, supported, and engaged in stimulating, age-appropriate learning and play experiences.
* Assist with the leadership of all staff, delivering the curriculum effectively and consistently, working with staff and specialists to maintain high standards of practice.
* Promote strong partnerships with parents, carers, and families, encouraging open communication and active involvement in their child’s learning journey.
* Support and oversee the implementation of inclusive practice, ensuring the effective work of SENCOs and inclusion leads.
* Undertake the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the nursery and uphold all safeguarding requirements and procedures, working closely with DSL and Safeguarding Team within the school.
* Ensure nutritional needs of children are met and that Food Safety Regulations are followed at all times incorporating EYFS Nutritional Guidance
* Ensure full compliance with statutory frameworks (e.g. EYFS, Ofsted, Children Acts 1989 & 2004, and relevant legislation).
* Keep up to date with developments in childcare and education policy, sharing updates with all staff through a regular cycle of professional learning and appraisal.
* With the Nursery Manager, work closely with Pre-School at Yarm School to support transition and ensure educational priorities and practices are aligned.
Health and Safety
* Support the Nursery Manager to oversee and implement all health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
* Maintain the highest standards of hygiene across childcare, food preparation, and changing areas.
* Conduct and act on regular risk assessments.
* Undertake regular fire drills and act as fire warden for the nursery. Support the Nursery Manager to ensure appropriate first aid provision, fire safety, emergency, and security procedures are in place and reviewed.
* Ensure full COSHH compliance across the nursery by maintaining risk assessments for hazardous substances, overseeing safe storage and use, and training/supervising staff to protect children, staff, and visitors.
* Assist in managing the building, grounds, furnishings, and equipment effectively. While maintaining a safe and secure site in line with the security policy.
* Deputise for the Nursery Manager as required for Health and Safety Committee meetings and weekly estates meetings.
Operational Leadership
* Support the Nursery Manager to
o Ensure compliance with the EYFS, Ofsted, Children Acts 1989 & 2004, Equality Act 2010, Data Protection Act 2018, and UK GDPR.
o Liaise with Ofsted (or relevant regulator) and ensure readiness for inspections, implementing recommendations where required.
o Liaise with the central HR team to ensure all staff hold up-to-date enhanced DBS (or equivalent) checks.
o Oversee trainee placements, students, and volunteers, ensuring effective supervision, without compromising the delivery of outstanding provision to children and families.
o Work with local training providers (colleges, universities etc) to build positive relationships and ensure high quality trainees are sourced and supported
* Assume the full duties of the Nursery Manager in their absence.
* Deputise for the Nursery Manager as required to chair staff meetings, ensuring agendas and minutes are maintained.
Staff Leadership and Development
* Promote Yarm School values and ethos in daily practice of all staff, fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism
* Lead, supervise, and support all nursery staff including cooks, cleaners, students, and volunteers in conjunction with the Nursery Manager.
* Assist in the recruitment, induction, and appraisal of staff, ensuring high quality throughout the team.
* Support the management of rotas, schedules, and staffing levels in line with regulatory requirements.
* With the Nursery Manager, provide individual supervision, appraisals, and detailed performance reviews.
* Identify training needs, implement development plans, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Marketing, Communication and Engagement
* Act as an ambassador for Yarm School, consistently upholding and promoting the school’s values, ethos, and reputation within the nursery setting.
* Assist in planning, organising, and delivering engaging Open Events for the nursery.
* Identify and be able to communicate USPs with current and prospective parents, staff and visitors.
* Contribute to and be involved in out of working hours activities, for example, training, staff meetings, social/fundraising activities etc.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, carers, staff, and external agencies, building trust and confidence in Yarm School as a provider of exceptional education.
* Support the use of social media and other platforms to enhance reputation and engagement.
* Assist with the coordination of a regular cycle of parent events and forums to strengthen family partnerships.
Administration & Records
* Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping for children, staff, and regulatory purposes.
* Maintain inventories, order resources, and ensure efficient use of nursery systems/software.
* Ensure compliance with data protection legislation in all aspects of administration.
General Responsibilities
* Act as a role model, demonstrating best practice and embodying organisational values.
* Be flexible within working practices of the setting, undertaking other responsible duties where needed, such as domestic tasks, preparation of snack meals, cleaning of equipment etc.
* Undertake additional duties as required, adapting flexibly to organisational needs.
About You
We are seeking a dedicated, forward-thinking and ambitious Deputy Nursery Manager who is committed to providing outstanding childcare and early years education.
You will bring energy, vision, and strategic leadership to the role, ensuring the very best outcomes for children, families, and staff.
You will have excellent communication skills, enabling you to build strong relationships with children, parents, colleagues, and external partners. A problem-solver with the ability to lead change, you will inspire confidence and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Qualifications And Experience
* Level 3 or above in Childcare/Early Years (e.g. NNEB, CACHE, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent).
* A minimum of 3 years experience in a senior leadership or management role within early years.
* Approved Paediatric First Aid qualification
* Previous experience as a Deputy Nursery Manager (or equivalent leadership role) is essential.
* Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, develop, and motivate staff teams.
* Proven track record of driving improvements, raising standards, and managing change effectively.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding.
* A strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and commitment to delivering high-quality childcare and early education.
Personal Attributes
* Passionate about early years education and child development.
* Commercially aware, organised, and able to balance strategy with daily operations.
* Confident leader with empathy, integrity, and resilience.
* Skilled communicator who builds strong relationships with families, staff, and external partners.
* Solution-focused and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
* Committed to ongoing personal and professional growth.
* Ambitious to develop and deliver early years education of the highest quality.
Contractual Matters
* Salary; £32,000 - £36,000 per year (starting salary dependent upon experience)
* 40 hours per week; daily shifts will vary and be on a rota between 7.15am and 6.15pm.
* Full year contract.
* Holiday leave; 21 days plus bank holidays, plus 4 additional days towards Christmas closure.
* The nursery is closed over the Christmas period, annual leave entitlement must be used to cover this period.
* Dedicated 3 training days to complete each year.
* The successful candidate is to take up the post mid May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
* The employer will be Little Phoenix Nursery.
Benefits
* Generous pension and life insurance scheme
* Staff fee remission for Yarm School Holiday Club
* Theatre ticket discounts - Princess Alexandra Auditorium
* Free on site parking
* Daily lunch offered on site as well as refreshments such as tea, coffee
* A variety of benefit schemes (cycle to work, electric car scheme) Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
SAFEGUARDING
Little Phoenix Nursery based at Yarm School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to vetting checks including an enhanced DBS check. Applicants for all vacancies at Little Phoenix Nursery (at Yarm School) are encouraged to read these policies on our website before applying: Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Vetting and Suitability Policy.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Little Phoenix Nursery is committed to ensuring that all job applicants and members of staff are treated equally, without discrimination because of any protected characteristics as defined in law. We welcome applications from anyone who considers that they meet the requirements of the job advertised.
CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK
Little Phoenix Nursery is required to seek a Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in respect of successful applicants for all posts at the School where staff may come into contact with children. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to working in the Nursery. Applicants who are invited to interview will be asked to submit a self-declaration form before attending the interview in which they will answer a number of targeted questions about any criminal history or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. More information about this can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-filteringguidance/dbs-filtering-guide. A copy of the School’s policy on Vetting and Suitability Checks and the DBS Code of Practice may be obtained from the Nursery Manager. Before an appointment is made routine checks will be undertaken to confirm identity and qualifications etc. This post is a pupil-facing role and is therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you will be required to confirm that you are not on the DBS Children’s Barred List or disqualified from working with children, and further to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) or other Orders of the Courts made against you, even if they would otherwise be regarded as ‘spent’ under this Act.
Appointment Procedure
The deadline for applications is 12 noon Friday 10th April 2026. Suitably qualified applicants who are shortlisted will be invited to interview at the main site in the following week after Easter. We reserve the right to interview and withdraw the job advert in line with fulfilling our requirements prior to the deadline.
All applicants must use the current Yarm School application form provided, which can be found on the Yarm School website vacancy page. We cannot accept applications in any other format. A detailed covering letter highlighting the suitability for the post should also be addressed to Mrs Sarah Moon-Gatford, Nursery Manager for Little Phoenix Nursery. All application packs should be emailed directly to HR@Yarmschool.org.
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