Nursery Deputy Manager

WE'RE LOOKING FOR A DEPUTY MANAGER

Join Polka Dots Nursery – where children are known, valued, and nurtured every day.

Are you an early years leader looking for a role where you'll genuinely make a difference? We're recruiting a Deputy Manager to join our close-knit team at Polka Dots, starting at the end of September 2026.

ABOUT US

PolkaDots is a small, family-oriented day nursery for children aged 2-4 years. We're term time only, which means we're part of the rhythm of family life, not separate from it. We believe in play-based learning, individual attention and creating an environment where both children and staff feel they truly belong. We're not a chain, we're a small team of staff committed to making real, lasting connections with the children and families we care for.

THE ROLE

As Deputy Manager, you'll work alongside our Nursery Manager to lead a warm, nurturing team and ensure our high standards are maintained every single day. You'll have real responsibility, covering the Manager in their absence, supporting staff development, monitoring quality, and being a visible, approachable presence for both children and families. This is a leadership role with genuine influence on how the nursery develops.

SENCO RESPONSIBILITIES

You'll also take on the role of SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). This means identifying children who may need additional support, liaising with parents and external agencies, coordinating individual learning plans, and ensuring inclusive practice across the nursery. You'll be the lead for all SEN matters, working closely with the management team to make sure every child's needs are genuinely met and their potential unlocked.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

•            Proven experience working in early years settings, ideally in a leadership or supervisory role

•            Strong knowledge of EYFS framework and best practice

•            Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead and support a team with confidence &         empathy

•            A genuine passion for children's development and wellbeing

•            Commitment to safeguarding and creating an inclusive, welcoming environment

•            The ability to stay calm and problem-solve under pressure

WHAT WE OFFER

•            Term time only contract – 30 hours per week, giving you school holidays with your own family

•            Competitive salary commensurate with experience

•            Pension scheme – we invest in your future

•            Professional development – training opportunities, funding for qualifications, and continuous learning

•            Small team culture – you'll know every child, every family, and every member of staff. Real relationships, not anonymity

•            A role that matters – you'll have genuine influence on quality and how we develop

•            Support and mentoring from an experienced, hands-on management team

Key responsibilities:

•            Deliver high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS

•            Support children’s emotional wellbeing, confidence and learning

•            Build professional, trusting relationships with children and families

•            Act as a role model for safe, respectful practice at all times

•            Follow all safeguarding and child protection procedures

Essential requirements:

•            Level 3 qualification in Children and Young People’s Workforce (or equivalent)

•            Minimum three year recent experience in a nursery or preschool setting

•            Secure knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted statutory guidance

•            Paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain)

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment:

PolkaDots Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of identity and right to work in the UK, a declaration under the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations, and other checks in line with safer recruitment guidance.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and a cover letter telling us why you'd like to join Polka Dots to nurserypolkadots@gmail.com

Closing date: Friday 14th September 2026

We're committed to safeguarding. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

Equal Opportunities

Polka Dots is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued.

Benefits:

•            Company pension

•            Free flu jabs

•            Health & wellbeing programme

•            Sick pay

Work Location: In person