Development Deputy Nursery Manager

Job description

**We’re more than just a nursery group. We’re the UK’s most innovative early-years education provider, proudly certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked the 30th Best Workplace in the UK.** At N Family Club, we dreamed of reimagining early years education. Becoming a place that fosters creativity, embraces a curriculum-led approach, and prepares children for the modern world. We’re proudly making our dream a reality – and we want you to be a part of it! Our **Nursery Development Team**, launched in January 2026, exists to unlock the full potential of nurseries across N Family Club. This dynamic team partners with nurseries that need targeted support, bringing energy, hands-on guidance, and expert coaching to raise quality, strengthen leadership, and build confident, capable teams. Whether you’re a Development Nursery Manager, Deputy, Room Manager, or Educator, your purpose is the same: to help every nursery be the best it can be. Through mentoring, modelling best practice, and providing practical support, the **team drives improvement**, **nurtures excellence**, and ensures children and families consistently experience the **highest standards of care and education**. **What you’ll be doing…** - Step confidently into the role of Development Deputy Nursery Manager within nurseries identified for targeted support, working alongside Nursery Managers and the Development Team to strengthen leadership, raise standards, and embed best practice. - Support the delivery of exceptional education, brilliant customer service, and engaged teams, ensuring alignment with N Family Club’s vision, values, and improvement goals. - Promote a ‘Safety First’ culture by leading daily Health & Safety practices, completing risk assessments, and promptly following up on any concerns. - Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead when required, ensuring all safeguarding and child protection procedures are rigorously followed. - Model outstanding care and education, embedding N Pedagogy and Curriculum throughout the nursery and coaching colleagues to do the same. - Support nursery self-evaluation, action planning, and follow-up of priorities identified through the Development Team, Education Advisor, Regional Director guidance, audits, or inspections. - Contribute to operational planning, including daily routines, learning environments, staffing ratios, and rotas, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. - Coach and mentor team members, building capability, confidence, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement across the nursery. - Provide regular feedback, guidance, and professional development opportunities to support team growth and high performance. - Build strong and positive relationships with parents, supporting clear communication and active engagement in the nursery community. - Participate in development meetings and calls to review nursery progress, share insights, and contribute to effective action planning. - Work collaboratively with the Development Team to implement focused improvement initiatives that drive sustainable change. - Offer flexible support across multiple nurseries, ensuring consistent leadership, continuity of standards, and practical guidance for teams. - Travel across development nurseries as required, with flexibility to work varying patterns and stay overnight when necessary to deliver consistent support. **Our Development Deputy Nursery Managers should have…** - Level 3 or above Early Years qualification (full & relevant) - Paediatric First Aid (12 hours) and a willingness to maintain certification - Proven experience in a nursery leadership position (ideally as a Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, or Nursery Manager) within a high-performing or Ofsted Good/ Outstanding nursery. - Demonstrated success in supporting quality improvement and driving positive change within early years environments. - Skilled in developing, coaching, and motivating teams to deliver consistently high standards of education and care. - Experience in supporting recruitment, retention, and professional development to build high-performing teams. - Strong understanding of EYFS requirements, Ofsted expectations, and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to ensure full compliance at all times. - Competent user of ICT systems and confident in analysing performance data to support informed decision-making. - Experience collaborating across multiple nursery settings or supporting operational transitions is desirable. **The N Advantage** - **Competitive salary** – £34,694 - £46,696, based on experience and dedication *(plus travel expenses)* - Up to 10% annual performance bonus - **Flexible working** – Choose 4–5 days a week for work-life balance - **Up to 35 days holiday** – including a personal ‘Me’ day and Christmas closure - **£100 annual learning fund** plus access to N Academy (leadership development, Early Years degrees, Forest School & more) - **£100 clothing allowance** for your professional style - **Enhanced family leave** for parents, carers, and more - **40% childcare discount** plus 6 emergency childcare days annually **And that’s not all!** - **5-year loyalty bonus** – an around-the-world trip plus 2 bonus weeks off - **10-year loyalty bonus** – an ‘out of this world’ experience plus 2 extra weeks off - **Referral bonus** – earn up to £1,000 per successful hire - **Amazing discounts** – save on groceries, shopping, fitness, and more - **Travel support** – season ticket loans and cycle-to-work scheme - **Socials & wellbeing** – annual parties, team events, gym discounts, and online fitness **Making an impact…** At N Family Club, we do things differently. We support and celebrate individuality, champion diversity, and give every team member a voice. Our culture is rooted in respect, collaboration and a shared passion for early years education. We invest heavily in your growth – from career progression and in-house training to mentorship and personal development. With innovative environments, top-tier benefits, and a focus on wellbeing, we’re building a workplace where educators thrive, and children soar. **Join N Family Club today and help us reshape early education for the better.**