Nursery Deputy Manager & Room Leader

Job Details

Salary - £26,264 per annum, pay award pending
Hours - 36 hours per week, all year round
Contract - Fixed Term Maternity Cover, up to 12 months
Location - Peterborough
Closing Date - 4th January 2026

Do you have a passion for Early Years but find yourself wanting more responsibility? We are looking for a dynamic, caring, and organized Deputy Nursery Manager & Room Leader to join our team at Peterborough College. This isn't just an office job. You'll be the heartbeat of a specific room, leading your team to create a world of wonder for children aged 0-5.

When our Nursery Manager is away, you'll step up to the plate, gaining invaluable experience in the overall management of a professional nursery setting.

• Inspiring Young Minds: As a Room Leader, you'll design and lead activities that meet EYFS standards and spark children's curiosity.
• Empowering Your Team: You'll mentor Nursery Nurses and Assistants, sharing your wisdom and helping them grow through 1:1s and coaching.
• Building Connections: You'll be the friendly face parents trust, liaising with them on their child's progress and coordinating with local authorities or specialists.
• Stepping Up: You'll assist with the "behind the scenes" magic‑from managing budgets and inventories to ensuring our safeguarding is gold‑standard.

• Work-Life Balance: Our unique schedule (four 8 am-6 pm days and one 8 am-12 pm day) means you get your Friday afternoon (or morning!) back.
• Generous Holiday: 30 days of holiday plus bank holidays and extra discretionary days.
• A Supportive Environment: We are part of the IEG Group, meaning we truly value professional development. We'll support your Level 5 aspirations or management training.
• Great Perks: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and a fully‑funded enhanced DBS check.

You are an experienced Early Years professional who is as comfortable on the floor playing with toddlers as you are in a team meeting.

• Level 3 Childcare qualification (Level 5 is a bonus!).
• Significant experience with the 0‑5 age range.
• A "can‑do" attitude and the emotional resilience to handle the beautiful (and sometimes messy!) challenges of nursery life.
• Solid knowledge of Safeguarding and EYFS.
• The ability to lead with kindness, clarity, and confidence.

If you're a natural leader with a big heart and an organized mind, we want to hear from you.

IEG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and any vulnerable groups within the college community and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Candidates are reminded that if they are barred from working with Children it is a criminal offence to apply for this position.