Deputy Nursery Manager - The Jays Day Care Nursery
- South Hams, South Devon
- Full Time
- Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience
We are seeking an enthusiastic and values-driven Deputy Nursery Manager to join our uniquely situated nursery with a strong focus on outdoor learning.
Our practice is firmly rooted in child-led learning, In-the-Moment Planning, and a deep respect for children’s natural curiosity, inspired by The Curiosity Approach©. These principles are brought to life through rich, meaningful experiences on site and in our forest and beach school environments, where children are encouraged to explore, investigate, and connect with the world around them.
We have a strong, established staff team, including staff members with over 20 years service. We equally enjoy the opportunity to nurture and inspire members of our team who are starting out in their career. Our staff are passionate about their roles and the children in their care.
Our nursery is owned by two hands-on Directors who are present in the setting every day, working closely with the team and remaining actively involved in practice, relationships, and daily nursery life. This creates a supportive, collaborative environment where leadership is visible, positive, solution focused, approachable, and values-led.
This role is ideal for an experienced early years professional — this could appeal to a qualified teacher with EYFS experience — who is seeking a purposeful leadership role with a strong work-life balance, while working all year round in a nurturing, well-supported setting.
About the role:
Working alongside the nursery owners, you will support the day-to-day leadership and management of the nursery while remaining hands-on with children and staff. You will help nurture a reflective, curious team culture where children’s interests, voices, and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. There may be occasional early (7.30am) starts to open the nursery.
Key responsibilities:
- Support the nursery owners in the overall running of the nursery
- Lead and inspire staff to deliver high-quality, child-led practice rooted in in-the-moment planning
- Champion curiosity-led learning across indoor and outdoor environments
- Ensure safeguarding, welfare, and EYFS requirements are met at all times
- Act as a role model for respectful, nurturing relationships with children
- Build strong partnerships with families and the wider community
- Support staff development, mentoring, and reflective practice
- Deputise for the nursery owners when required
About you:
- Level 3 early years qualification (Level 5 or above desirable) or QTS with strong EYFS experience
- Experience in a leadership or responsibility-holding role within an EYFS setting
- Knowledge, understanding and experience of Safeguarding procedures
- A strong belief in child-led learning and curiosity-driven pedagogy
- A passion for outdoor learning, including forest and beach school practice
- Confident knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and inclusive practice
- A reflective, supportive leader who values wellbeing and teamwork
- Happy to work outdoors in all weathers
- Able to work all year round, valuing consistency and balance over term-time pressures
What we offer:
- A genuinely child-centred setting guided by curiosity and connection
- Daily opportunities to work outdoors accessing extensive grounds and inspiring forest and beach environments
- Direct, supportive leadership from experienced, present owners
- A role that supports work-life balance within an all-year round structure and flexible annual leave options
- Ongoing professional development in our pedagogy, including outdoor learning
- A setting that prioritises wellbeing — for children and staff
- Employee Assistance Programme, including retail discount benefits
- Competitive salary
Apply:
To apply, please email contact@thejaysnursery.com to request an application form.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Job Details
- OrganisationChildcare
- Work LocationSouth HamsSouth Devon
- Work Postcode
PL21 0TZ
- Reference
- Occupational GroupChildcare
- Salary Details
Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
Full time hours, within our opening hours 8am - 6pm
- Closing Date
02/03/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes