Deputy Nursery Manager

**All candidates must complete a Farleigh School Support Staff Application Form in order to apply for the position, this can be found on the school website. Please visit the Staff Vacancies page on the school website for the full job description and application form. We are unable to accept CV's in place of a completed application form.**

*Farleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo appropriate Child Protection Screening, including references from past employers, an enhanced DBS disclosure and an online search in line with safer recruitment.*

**Farleigh School is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Deputy Nursery Manager to join us at a truly exciting time. With the planned opening of our brand-new nursery in September 2026, we are seeking to appoint a Deputy Nursery Manager from August 2026 to lead on preparations and operational planning, ensuring the nursery continues to reflect the established ethos and high standards of the wider school community.**

The new nursery space will be in its own dedicated building with outside space, close to the large Pre-Prep woods for Forest School play, and with the extensive Farleigh grounds on the doorstep of the nursery building. This is a new venture with a chance to evolve and develop a successful all round nursery within a successful independent school. We are excited to bring the Farleigh ethos to even the youngest of children “this is where it all begins”. With close links to the Kindergarten and Pre-Prep, we believe that the new Farleigh nursery will bring something special for both children and nursery staff.

The Deputy Nursery Manager will support the daily running of our vibrant and nurturing early years setting. In this role, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager to lead the team, promote high‑quality childcare, and ensure the nursery operates smoothly and in line with all regulatory and safeguarding requirements. You will act as a role model to staff, helping to inspire best practice, maintain positive relationships with families, and create an engaging, enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate early years professional looking to take the next step in their career and make a meaningful impact within a supportive and forward‑thinking nursery.

• We are seeking an individual to work full-time, ideally for up to 50 weeks per year. The core requirement is Monday to Friday, based on a 4‑day rota, working 40 hours per week between 7:30am and 6:00pm.
• However, for the right applicant with the necessary skills and experience, we are flexible regarding the number of weeks worked and will also consider alternative working patterns — including the possibility of distributing hours across 5 days. Applicants are encouraged to outline their preferred working hours and pattern within their application.

**The ideal candidate will have:**

**Essential Qualifications and Experience:**

• A relevant NVQ level 3 qualification or above
• Grade 4 or 5 English and Maths GCSE’s or equivalent level 2 functional skills.
• A minimum of 2 years post qualification experience with involvement in a previous supervisory position.
• Level 3 diploma in management (Desirable)

**Knowledge and Skills:**

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team
• Be committed to providing the best possible outcomes for every child
• Confident in building relationships with parents, children, colleagues and external agencies.
• Up to date knowledge of safeguarding
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS
• Passionate about early childhood development and committed to delivering outstanding care and education
• Supportive, approachable, and highly organised
• A team player with a proactive, “can-do” attitude
• High attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement
• A sense of humour, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure

**Particular Tasks & Responsibilities:**

• Deputise for the manager as the person in charge as needed
• Support the team with delivering high quality teaching and learning
• Oversee the implementation of the Farleigh curriculum and Ethos and ensure a full team understanding
• Supporting to maintain compliance within relevant legislations
• Assist in team development and performance reviews
• Maintain the school’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy across all Nursery operations
• Mentoring and training new team members
• Liaise with the Estates Bursar and Maintenance team to maintain a safe working environment
• Prepare for, and support inspections by regulatory bodies, implementing any recommendations within the nursery
• Deliver rich, age-appropriate learning experiences aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Ensure accurate reporting on occupancy, quality, and standards.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to promote the Nursery and School within the local community.
• Represent the Nursery at events and engage with prospective and current families.
• Any other duties which may be assigned commensurate with the post and in keeping with the nature of the Prep school environment

**Equal Opportunities:**

Farleigh School is a co-educational organisation that believes strongly in equal opportunity for all.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £34,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Canteen
• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person