Nursery Deputy Manager in Earlsfield, Wandsworth (SW18) - Family-Run Nursery Group

£38,200

Location: Earlsfield, London. A 2-minute walk from Earlsfield mainline station, with Clapham Junction and Waterloo less than 5 and 15 minutes away

Working pattern: Full-time hours worked across a 4-day week, giving you 3 days off every week

Our client is a family-run nursery group with a strong reputation for warm, high-quality early years childcare and they’re looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager to step into the second-in-command role at their Earlsfield nursery!

This is a role for someone who loves the curriculum side of nursery life as much as the leadership side. With responsibilities as the curriculum lead, you’ll champion high-quality EYFS delivery in a newly designed setting full of natural light, caring for children from 6 months to 5 years, with King George’s Park just minutes away for daily outings. The curriculum blends the EYFS with the group’s own Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired learning. If you’re ready to take on a deputy role with genuine ownership of learning and development, this is worth a look.

On offer is a £38,200 salary, a supportive family-run culture, and real routes to progress as the group plans to open new sites in the future.

Please note that an immediate start can be accommodated for this role, with a handover period in place when the current DM moves on after the Christmas and New Year break. If you're not available immediately, that's not a problem either.

Key responsibilities:

• Deputy leadership: Supporting the Nursery Manager with day-to-day operations, including staffing, room coverage, KPIs and compliance, and stepping up to lead the nursery in their absence.

• Curriculum leadership: Overseeing planning, observations, assessments and learning environments so every child meets their developmental goals.

• Mentoring and development: Leading by example, supporting planning and teaching, and contributing to inductions and ongoing staff development.

• Safeguarding and Ofsted: Maintaining accurate records and making sure all staff follow safeguarding procedures, with the aim of achieving or maintaining Good or Outstanding ratings.

• Parent partnerships: Building strong relationships through regular communication, feedback, settling-in support and engagement events.

About you:

• Qualified: Level 3 Early Years Educator as a minimum, with Level 5 or above preferred.

• Knowledgeable: A strong understanding of EYFS, curriculum planning and child development, plus good knowledge of Ofsted and safeguarding requirements.

• Supportive: Experience mentoring staff and supporting team development, with the confidence to lead in the Manager’s absence.

• Advantageous: Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or SENDCo would be a real advantage, though it isn’t essential.

What’s in it for you:

• A Medical Cashback Plan worth over £1,000 a year, covering GP access, health screening, dental, optical and more.

• Blue Light Card discounts, a manager bonus incentive, leadership development opportunities and long service rewards.

• 32 days annual leave including 8 bank holidays and 4 personal wellbeing days.

Your recruiter for this role is Steve Brennan, Recruitment Director at Love Childcare Recruitment, and can be contacted simply by applying for the role below.