Deputy Nursery Manager

About the role

Better Nurseries, operated by GLL, is recruiting a Deputy Nursery Manager for Vista Field Nursery, a 52-place setting for children aged 0–4 years, based within Vista Field Children's Centre in New Eltham, London SE9.

Working closely with the Nursery Manager, you will share responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring compliance with the statutory framework and striving for Ofsted excellence. Vista Field Nursery places a strong emphasis on physical activity, outdoor learning, and high-quality early years experiences, with learning happening through play at the centre of everything the team does.

You will deputise in the Nursery Manager's absence, providing confident leadership and maintaining high standards across the setting. You will also guide staff in their use of the nursery's online childcare management software, support continuous improvement, and work collaboratively with children, families, and partner agencies.

Hours are 36 per week, timetabled between 8am and 6pm in line with the needs of the service. This is a permanent, full-time post.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the day-to-day running of the nursery in line with the statutory framework, aiming for Ofsted excellence
• Supporting the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), including overseeing planning and record-keeping
• Deputising for the Nursery Manager in their absence and maintaining standards across the setting
• Leading positively on the nursery's online childcare management software and guiding the team in its effective use
• Motivating and developing the staff team while ensuring children are well looked after, content, stimulated, and supported

To apply, click Apply Now. For informal enquiries, contact Deborah Brown.

About You

This role suits an experienced early years professional who is ready to take on greater leadership responsibility within a busy, values-driven nursery setting. You will be confident working with young children and their families, and committed to high-quality, inclusive care.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Childcare qualification or a higher Early Years qualification
• Have at least four years' post-qualification experience in an early years setting
• Have experience in a managerial or senior leadership capacity within a nursery environment
• Have a sound knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and experience supporting children with SEND
• Have a strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding responsibilities, and health and safety requirements
• Demonstrate good knowledge of equalities and diversity issues, with a commitment to an inclusive approach
• Possess good IT, literacy, numerical, organisational, and communication skills
• Be able to build strong professional relationships with parents, local authority departments, regulatory bodies, and partner agencies
• Hold a clear enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate with Children's Barred List check and be able to provide two satisfactory childcare references

GLL is an inclusive employer and welcomes diversity in its teams. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List, satisfactory references, and right-to-work verification.

GLL's Offer to You

As the UK's largest leisure operator and charitable social enterprise, GLL is a cooperative owned by its staff. One of its core values is 'More than a Job' — working here opens a wide range of possibilities, and your development is taken seriously from day one.

GLL invests back into its facilities, projects, and people, and holds the Investors in People Gold Award. Career pathways are supported through a mix of practical and theory-based training, and staff have the opportunity to join the GLL Society and have a say in how the organisation is run.

Benefits include:

• Good pension schemes and a full-time permanent contract
• Discounted gym membership for you and your partner
• Discounts across thousands of retailers through GLL Extras, plus 25% off Red Letter Days and Buy a Gift
• Exclusive discounts on GLL villas in Portugal and ski chalets in Bulgaria
• Ride to work scheme and free eye tests with discounted glasses
• 20% off GLL spa experience treatments and associated products
• And more, including learning and development support for career progression