Deputy Nursery Manager

Deputy Nursery Manager – Southwater, West Sussex, RH13
Join an Outstanding Ofsted-rated Forest School nursery in Southwater, West Sussex, RH13, where outdoor learning, creativity and high-quality childcare shape the early years experience. As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will combine hands-on practice with nursery leadership, supporting children aged 0 to 5 and helping the team maintain excellent standards. This position suits an experienced early years professional ready to develop within a supportive and expanding nursery group.

Employment Type
Permanent position available on a full-time or part-time basis, with approximately 30 to 40 hours per week.
You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

Salary
£32,000 to £40,000 per year, dependent on experience, plus benefits.

Benefits

• Up to 80% childcare discount
• Performance bonuses and staff reward schemes
• Contribution towards Christmas shopping costs
• Employee discount scheme
• Funded training and professional development
• Clear career progression opportunities
• Supportive leadership and ongoing mentorship
• International travel opportunities for qualified childcare professionals
• Full-time or part-time working options
• Creative and inspiring Forest School learning environment
• Opportunity to develop within an expanding nursery group

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Permanent, full-time or part-time position, approximately 30 to 40 hours per week.
Based at a Forest School nursery in Southwater, RH13.

• The nursery operates 51 weeks per year
• Operating hours are 7:30am to 6:00pm
• Working pattern combines room-based early years practice with wider nursery leadership responsibilities
• Hands-on leadership across nursery operations and childcare delivery
• Ongoing development within a supportive team environment

Job Description
As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you will deliver high-quality early years education and childcare while supporting the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day running of this Outstanding Ofsted-rated nursery in Southwater. The setting supports children aged 0 to 5 through a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, encouraging enquiry-led learning, creativity, independence and meaningful outdoor experiences.

Forest School learning is central to the nursery experience, with children benefiting from access to a private 11-acre woodland nearby. You will help maintain high standards across the setting, combining practical early years leadership with child-centred practice, safeguarding and EYFS responsibilities. This is a strong next step for someone with senior experience within nurseries & early years who values outdoor learning, team development and positive partnerships with families.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery
• Provide hands-on early years leadership across the nursery environment
• Deliver engaging learning experiences that support children aged 0 to 5
• Lead by example in maintaining high standards of childcare, education and professional practice
• Maintain standards aligned with EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted expectations
• Create safe, stimulating and inclusive environments that encourage child-led learning
• Support, mentor and positively influence nursery practitioners and wider team members
• Build strong, professional partnerships with parents, carers and families
• Promote Forest School experiences, outdoor learning, creative exploration and play
• Maintain accurate observations, communication and nursery documentation

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Level 3 qualification or above in Early Years is essential
• Previous Deputy Nursery Manager or senior early years experience is required
• Strong understanding of EYFS, safeguarding and childcare within an early years or Forest School environment
• Ability to support nursery operations, team leadership, high-quality practice and child development
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with an enthusiastic and proactive approach
• Confident working independently when required while collaborating effectively with the Nursery Manager and wider team
• Also suitable for: Nursery Deputy Manager, Assistant Nursery Manager, Early Years Deputy Manager, Senior Nursery Practitioner, Third in Charge, Early Years Room Leader

Company Culture
As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you will be joining a creative and supportive nursery setting where outdoor learning, Reggio Emilia-inspired practice and child-centred education are embedded into everyday life. The team encourages curiosity, confidence and independence in children while giving staff access to funded development, mentorship and clear progression opportunities. The combination of Forest School learning, collaborative leadership and an expanding nursery group provides an environment where experienced early years professionals can continue developing their practice and leadership skills.

Apply Today
If you are an experienced early years professional ready to progress as a Deputy Nursery Manager in Southwater, RH13, this position offers the opportunity to combine hands-on childcare with meaningful leadership in an Outstanding Ofsted-rated Forest School setting. Your knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, team development and child-led learning will be valued within a nursery committed to professional growth and creative early years education. Apply today to take the next step in your nursery leadership career.

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