Deputy Manager – South Hills School Nurseries

Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire (SN8 3JT)
Salary: £29,536 – £30,472 per year
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Work Location: In person

Join a nursery that inspires children and supports exceptional careers

At South Hills School Nurseries, we believe every child is unique. We nurture curiosity, encourage independence, and create a warm, inspiring environment where children can thrive. Our values — Curiosity, Respect, Nurture and Inspire — are at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and forward-thinking Deputy Manager to support the leadership and daily running of our nursery. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate early years professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and help lead a high-quality, values-driven setting.

The role

Working closely with the Nursery Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring outstanding standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance across the nursery. You will help lead, motivate and develop the team while maintaining a positive, professional and child-centred environment.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading by example, supporting colleagues, and driving continuous improvement in early years practice.

What we’re looking for

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5 or Level 6 desirable).

• Significant experience within an early years setting.

• Previous experience leading, mentoring or supervising staff.

• Excellent knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and child protection.

• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.

• A positive, proactive approach and a genuine passion for early years education.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day leadership and management of the nursery.

• Lead by example and model outstanding early years practice.

• Promote and maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, welfare and compliance.

• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and performance support.

• Assist with operational management, administration and quality assurance.

• Build strong partnerships with children, families and the wider community.

• Contribute to creating an inclusive, nurturing and inspiring learning environment.

• Uphold and promote the values and vision of South Hills School Nurseries.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of £29,536 – £30,472 per year.

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.

• Opportunities for career progression and professional development.

• Ongoing training and development.

• A well-resourced, child-focused environment.

• The opportunity to make a real impact on children’s early learning and development.

Safeguarding and safer recruitment

South Hills School Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to complete:

• An Enhanced DBS check (including children’s barred list).

• Right to Work in the UK verification.

• Two satisfactory references, including one from the most recent employer.

• Employment history and identity checks.

• Qualification and professional status verification.

• Disqualification checks in accordance with statutory guidance.

All appointments are made in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and safer recruitment legislation.

Apply now

If you are an experienced early years professional looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity where you can inspire a team and help shape exceptional early years provision, we would love to hear from you.

Join South Hills School Nurseries and help give children the very best start in life.

Room Leader (Under Twos)

Location: South Hills School Nurseries, SN8 3JT
Salary: From £25,350 per year
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time | In Person

Join South Hills School Nurseries

At South Hills School Nurseries, every child is recognised as unique. We nurture curiosity, inspire discovery and empower children to become confident, capable learners. Our values — Curiosity, Respect, Nurture and Inspire — are at the heart of everything we do and shape the exceptional early years environments we create.

About the role

We are looking for a compassionate, confident and experienced Room Leader to lead our Under Twos Room. This is a rewarding opportunity for a passionate early years professional who understands the importance of responsive caregiving, secure attachments and high-quality infant development.

You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring our youngest children receive exceptional care, emotional support and stimulating early learning experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.

What we’re looking for

• A Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).

• Experience working with babies and toddlers.

• Previous experience leading, supervising or mentoring a nursery team.

• Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

• Excellent understanding of safeguarding, child protection and safer working practice.

• The ability to create a calm, caring and inspiring environment for children and staff.

• Strong communication, leadership and organisational skills.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and inspire your team to deliver outstanding care and early learning.

• Model high-quality, responsive practice and support staff development.

• Maintain consistent routines that promote children’s wellbeing, security and development.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with parents and carers.

• Monitor children’s progress and contribute to planning and assessment.

• Ensure the room meets high standards of safety, cleanliness and compliance.

• Uphold the values, vision and expectations of South Hills School Nurseries.

Why join South Hills?

We believe in supporting our team as much as we support our children. You’ll be joining a warm, professional and collaborative nursery where your leadership will be valued and your career can continue to grow.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner ready to take the next step or an established Room Leader looking for a setting that values quality, professionalism and child-centred practice.

Safer recruitment

South Hills School Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be required to complete:

• An enhanced DBS check (including the children’s barred list).

• Right to Work in the UK verification.

• Two satisfactory references, including one from your most recent employer.

• Employment history and qualification checks.

• Any additional safeguarding checks required under Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and relevant legislation.

Appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks.

Apply now

If you’re passionate about giving babies and toddlers the very best start in life and want to lead a team committed to exceptional early years practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Work Location: In person