Job description:

Salary: £34,881.2 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Full‑time, Permanent

Role Purpose

The Duty Nursery Manager supports the Nursery Manager in leading and delivering high‑quality early years provision for children aged 0–5, ensuring the nursery meets statutory requirements and company standards. This role combines hands‑on practice with management responsibilities, including supporting staff, contributing to curriculum planning, and maintaining safeguarding, health and safety and business‑related processes to promote excellent outcomes for children and strong partnerships with families.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Support the Nursery Manager in the day‑to‑day leadership of the setting.

• Lead, coach and mentor room teams to deliver high‑quality care and learning that reflects the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

• Contribute to staff recruitment, induction, performance management and appraisals.

• Assist with staffing rotas, room ratios and deployment to ensure continuity of care and compliance with statutory requirements.

• Promote a positive team culture, supporting wellbeing, attendance and professional conduct.

Curriculum and Practice

• Support planning, observation and assessment processes to ensure all children receive personalised learning experiences and progress is effectively tracked.

• Model high‑quality interactions and practice, embedding effective Early Years pedagogy across the nursery.

• Support transition planning, inclusion and SEND provision in partnership with parents, carers and external agencies.

• Monitor the learning environment and resources to ensure they are stimulating, safe and reflective of the children’s interests and needs.

Safeguarding, Health and Safety

• Act as a champion for safeguarding, adhering to and promoting all child protection, health and safety and welfare policies and procedures.

• Support risk assessments, premises checks and emergency procedures to maintain a safe environment for children, staff and visitors.

• Report and follow up on any concerns about children’s wellbeing in line with nursery and statutory procedures.

Partnerships and Business Responsibilities

• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents, carers and external professionals, ensuring clear, professional communication.

• Assist with admissions, parent communications, open days and events to promote the nursery and support occupancy.

• Support the Nursery Manager with record keeping, budgeting, stock control and other administrative duties as required.

• Contribute to quality assurance, audits and action plans to maintain and improve standards.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 qualification in Childcare / Early Years (or equivalent) with substantial experience working in an early years setting.

• Proven experience of supporting or supervising teams within a nursery environment.

• Good understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding legislation and best practice in early years.

• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.

• Committed to high standards of care and continuous improvement.

• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undertake one) and ability to undertake relevant pre‑employment checks.

Desirable

• Level 5 qualification or relevant leadership/management qualification.

• Experience with SEND provision and working with external professionals.

• First Aid, Paediatric First Aid and safeguarding training (or willingness to complete).

• Previous experience deputising as a manager or in a supervisory role within an early years setting.

Why work for us

Our culture is built around our ARCH values: Accountability, Reliability, Caring and Honesty. We believe in recognising success, supporting wellbeing, and creating opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential. We're proud to be a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and a Great Place to Work® certified organisation, reflecting our commitment to creating an engaging and supportive workplace.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• Generous annual leave entitlement

• Continuous professional development and fully funded training

• Leadership development programmes

• Excellent career progression opportunities across our growing group

• Employee recognition and reward schemes

• Wellbeing support and employee benefits platform

• Discounted childcare (where applicable)

• Team events and celebrations

• An inclusive, supportive, and values-driven culture

Grow Your Career With Us

Whether you're an experienced Nursery Manager or looking to take the next step in your leadership journey, we'll invest in your development and provide opportunities to progress within a growing organisation. Many of our leaders have developed their careers with us, and we're committed to helping our people achieve their ambitions.

Our commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes.