Deputy Nursery Manager

Deputy Nursery Manager – Horsham, West Sussex, RH13
Shape high-quality early years practice in a distinctive nursery surrounded by the Sussex countryside. As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will lead the Under 2s provision while supporting wider nursery operations, combining hands-on childcare leadership with opportunities to develop your management experience. Based in Horsham, West Sussex, RH13, this role suits an experienced early years leader who values nature, creativity, child-led learning and professional development.

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

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

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.
• Structured six-week induction from the start 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 confidence in responding to the operational needs of children, families and the staff team.

Job Description
As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you will deliver high-quality early years leadership within an established nursery in Horsham, caring for children from three months to five years. You will take hands-on responsibility for the Under 2s provision while supporting the Nursery Manager with leadership and operational responsibilities across the wider setting.

The nursery is surrounded by the Sussex countryside, creating extensive opportunities for outdoor learning. Children can enjoy countryside walks, Forest School experiences and a spacious orchard garden with 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 encourage curious and enquiring minds through hands-on experiences that help children think independently, explore creatively and express themselves with confidence.

The setting also has a dedicated creative studio, The Atelier, where children take part in collaborative projects alongside an in-house professional artist. You will help practitioners make effective use of these environments while maintaining strong EYFS, safeguarding and childcare standards.

This position offers an experienced room-based leader the opportunity to broaden their people-management, operational leadership and nursery management experience within a supportive and progressive early years 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.

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A recognised early years or childcare qualification suitable for a nursery leadership position.
• Previous leadership experience as a Room Leader, Senior Room Leader, Third in Charge, Assistant Manager or in a comparable early years role.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and experience supporting babies, toddlers or an Under 2s provision.
• Ability to lead practitioners, maintain high standards and support the operational management of a nursery.
• A warm, confident and child-centred communicator who can build positive relationships with children, colleagues and families.
• 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.

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 places significant emphasis on supporting, valuing and developing its practitioners. Professional development begins with a structured induction and continues through individual development planning, regular talent reviews, dedicated CPD days and funded further education. The countryside setting, Forest School, Farm School animals, orchard garden and dedicated Atelier create an engaging environment for a leader who values nature, creativity and meaningful childhood experiences.

Apply Today
Your early years knowledge, leadership experience and commitment to excellent childcare will be valued within this supportive setting. This Deputy Nursery Manager position offers the chance to lead an important Under 2s provision, broaden your nursery management experience and develop your leadership career in Horsham. If you are ready to combine hands-on early years practice with greater management responsibility, apply today to explore this role in the RH13 area.

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