Deputy Nursery Manager

Deputy Nursery Manager – Horsham, West Sussex, RH13
Imagine leading a nursery provision where children’s earliest experiences are shaped by nature, creativity and genuine curiosity. This distinctive early years leadership role combines responsibility for the Under 2s provision with wider Deputy Nursery Manager duties, offering an experienced Room Leader, Senior Room Leader, Third in Charge or Assistant Nursery Manager the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while taking the next step in their career.

Employment Type
Full-time, permanent position within the nurseries & early years and childcare sector.

Salary
£32,000–£40,000 per annum + benefits

Pay & Benefits

• Up to 80% discount on childcare.
• Fully funded further education and professional qualifications.
• Free hot meals while working at the nursery.
• Employee reward schemes, long-service rewards and bonus opportunities.
• Christmas shopping costs covered through the nursery group’s staff benefits package.
• International travel opportunities connected to continued professional development.
• A structured six-week induction from the beginning of your employment.
• Individual development supported through a dedicated CPD programme.
• Regular three-monthly talent reviews tailored to your role and career aspirations.
• Three group CPD inset days each year, including training from specialist speakers.
• Supported annual leave arrangements and flexible working patterns.
• Clear opportunities to strengthen your nursery management experience and progress into broader leadership roles.

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time, permanent, nursery-based position.
Horsham, West Sussex, RH13.

• On-site early years leadership role within an established nursery.
• Combines leadership of the Under 2s provision with wider Deputy Manager responsibilities.
• Supports the Nursery Manager with the smooth day-to-day operation of the setting.
• Works closely with practitioners and senior leaders to maintain consistently high standards.
• Requires the ability to respond confidently to the operational needs of children, families and the staff team.

Job Description
As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you will join an established nursery in Horsham, West Sussex, RH13, caring for children from three months to five years. This hybrid early years leadership role combines hands-on responsibility for the Under 2s provision with support for the Nursery Manager across the wider setting.
The nursery is surrounded by the Sussex countryside and provides extensive opportunities for outdoor learning. Children benefit from countryside walks, Forest School experiences and a spacious orchard garden containing fruit trees, natural shaded areas and access to animals within a Farm School environment.
Inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, the nursery places children at the centre of their learning. Practitioners nurture curious and enquiring minds through hands-on experiences that encourage children to think independently, explore creatively and express themselves with confidence.

The nursery also includes a dedicated creative studio known as The Atelier, where children participate in collaborative projects alongside an in-house professional artist. You will help practitioners use these learning environments effectively while maintaining strong EYFS, safeguarding and childcare standards.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced room-based leader who is ready to broaden their people-management, operational leadership and nursery management experience within a supportive and progressive setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Under 2s provision, maintaining a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for babies and toddlers.
• Support the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day leadership and operation of the nursery.
• Lead, mentor and motivate early years practitioners, encouraging reflective practice and continued professional development.
• Maintain consistently high standards of childcare, teaching and learning in line with the EYFS framework.
• Support the planning and delivery of meaningful, child-led learning experiences indoors and outdoors.
• Embed Forest School, Farm School and Reggio Emilia-inspired principles within everyday practice.
• Build trusting partnerships with parents and families, communicating clearly about children’s development and wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate observations, assessments, records and documentation relating to children’s learning and care.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, welfare and nursery procedures are followed consistently.
• Work collaboratively with the management team to maintain quality, support staffing and contribute to the setting’s continued development.

Requirements

• Sponsorship / right to work: Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.
• Qualification: A recognised early years or childcare qualification suitable for a nursery leadership position.
• Experience level: Previous leadership experience as a Room Leader, Senior Room Leader, Third in Charge, Assistant Manager or in a comparable early years role.
• Specialism: Strong knowledge of the EYFS and experience supporting babies, toddlers or an Under 2s provision.
• Capability: Able to lead practitioners, maintain high standards and support the operational management of a nursery.
• Soft skill: A warm, confident and child-centred communicator who can build positive relationships with children, colleagues and families.
• Independence: Able to use initiative, make sound decisions and take responsibility while working collaboratively with the Nursery Manager.
• Also suitable for: Under 2s Room Leader, Senior Room Leader, Third in Charge, Nursery Assistant Manager, Assistant Nursery Manager, Early Years Room Manager or aspiring Deputy Nursery Manager.

Company Culture
As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you will be part of a passionate early years team that values high-quality childcare, teaching and learning. The nursery has a strong family feel and believes that well-supported, valued and properly trained practitioners are central to helping children thrive.

Professional development begins with a structured induction and continues through individual development planning, regular talent reviews, dedicated CPD days and funded further education opportunities. Practitioners are encouraged to explore educational theory, strengthen their understanding of Reggio Emilia principles and develop confidence in enquiry-based and outdoor learning.
The surrounding countryside, Forest School, Farm School animals, orchard garden and dedicated Atelier create a distinctive workplace for someone who values nature, creativity and meaningful childhood experiences.

Apply Today
Your early years knowledge, leadership experience and commitment to excellent childcare will be genuinely valued within this supportive setting. This is an opportunity to lead an important Under 2s provision, expand your nursery management experience and build a rewarding leadership career in a nursery where children, families and practitioners are encouraged to flourish. Apply today to explore this Deputy Nursery Manager role in Horsham, West Sussex, RH13.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early interest is warmly encouraged

Contact Details
Recruit by Nature
George Francis
George@recruitbynature.co.uk
Direct Line: 0118 334 8424
WhatsApp: 07782217154
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