Nursery Deputy Manager

<p><strong>Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead)</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Reports to: </strong>Nursery Manager Direct Reports: Key Teachers, Senior Assistants, Assistants (when delegated)</p><p><strong>Supports: </strong>Nursery Manager with site leadership, curriculum quality, and compliance.</p><p></p><p><strong>Role Summary</strong></p><p>The Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead) is the second-in-command at the nursery, responsible for supporting the Nursery Manager in site leadership, team development, and operational delivery.</p><p>As Curriculum Lead, the Deputy Manager ensures the curriculum is implemented to the highest standards, aligned with Abacus Ark's pedagogical principles: Walking in the Shoes of the Child, Purpose-Driven Environments, Dynamic and Responsive Curriculum, Teachers as Facilitators, and Education as Shared Responsibility. The Deputy Manager plays a pivotal role in mentoring staff, overseeing observations and assessments, and ensuring every child receives high-quality learning and care experiences. They step up as Acting Manager in the absence of the Nursery Manager.</p><p></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p>1. Leadership & Operational Support</p><p> Act as second-in-command, deputising for the Nursery Manager when required.</p><p> Support in delivering site KPIs, including occupancy, staffing ratios, and compliance.</p><p> Lead on day-to-day staff support, room coverage, and operational problem-solving.</p><p>2. Curriculum Implementation & Quality Assurance</p><p> Ensure curriculum planning and delivery meet Abacus Ark's pedagogical principles.</p><p> Oversee observations, assessments, and planning to ensure all children are supported to achieve their developmental goals.</p><p> Maintain high standards of learning environments across all rooms.</p><p>3. Staff Development & Mentoring</p><p> Act as a coach and mentor for Key Teachers and Assistants, modelling best practice.</p><p> Support staff with planning, observations, and teaching strategies.</p><p> Contribute to staff induction and ongoing professional development.</p><p>4. Compliance & Safeguarding</p><p> Support the Nursery Manager in ensuring full compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards.</p><p> Maintain accurate records of curriculum delivery, observations, and children's progress.</p><p> Ensure that all staff understand and follow safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements.</p><p>5. Parent Partnerships</p><p> Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication, feedback, and meetings.</p><p> Support the Nursery Manager with parent engagement events, settling-in processes, and feedback reviews.</p><p></p><p><strong>Success Indicators</strong></p><p> Curriculum delivery meets Abacus Ark pedagogical standards.</p><p> Observations and assessments completed to required timelines and quality.</p><p> Staff demonstrate strong teaching practice and continuous professional growth.</p><p> Positive feedback from parents on communication and learning progress.</p><p> Nursery achieves or maintains Good/Outstanding Ofsted ratings.</p><p></p><p><strong>Professional Requirements</strong></p><p> Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum); Level 5 or above preferred.</p><p> Strong understanding of EYFS, curriculum planning, and child development.</p><p> Experience in mentoring staff and supporting team development.</p><p> Good knowledge of Ofsted and safeguarding requirements.</p><p> Ability to lead in the Manager's absence.</p><img src="https://www.jobg8.com/Tracking.aspx?KmGIYyL1tv5sVnElJtMNX9HcK%2b1ThtJ2u" width="0" height="0" />