Deputy Nursery Manager

Deputy Nursery Manager – Horsham, West Sussex, RH13

Imagine leading a nursery provision where children’s earliest experiences are shaped by nature, creativity and genuine curiosity. This distinctive early years leadership role combines responsibility for the Under 2s provision with wider Deputy Nursery Manager duties, offering an experienced Room Leader, Senior Room Leader, Third in Charge or Assistant Nursery Manager the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while taking the next step in their career.

Full-time, permanent position within the nurseries & early years and childcare sector.

£32,000–£40,000 per annum + benefits

• Up to 80% discount on childcare.
• Fully funded further education and professional qualifications.
• Free hot meals while working at the nursery.
• Employee reward schemes, long-service rewards and bonus opportunities.
• Christmas shopping costs covered through the nursery group’s staff benefits package.
• International travel opportunities connected to continued professional development.
• A structured six-week induction from the beginning of your employment.
• Individual development supported through a dedicated CPD programme.
• Regular three-monthly talent reviews tailored to your role and career aspirations.
• Three group CPD inset days each year, including training from specialist speakers.
• Supported annual leave arrangements and flexible working patterns.
• Clear opportunities to strengthen your nursery management experience and progress into broader leadership roles.

Full-time, permanent, nursery-based position.
Horsham, West Sussex, RH13.

• On-site early years leadership role within an established nursery.
• Combines leadership of the Under 2s provision with wider Deputy Manager responsibilities.
• Supports the Nursery Manager with the smooth day-to-day operation of the setting.
• Works closely with practitioners and senior leaders to maintain consistently high standards.
• Requires the ability to respond confidently to the operational needs of children, families and the staff team.

As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you will join an established nursery in Horsham, West Sussex, RH13, caring for children from three months to five years. This hybrid early years leadership role combines hands‑on responsibility for the Under 2s provision with support for the Nursery Manager across the wider setting.

The nursery is surrounded by the Sussex countryside and provides extensive opportunities for outdoor learning. Children benefit from countryside walks, Forest School experiences and a spacious orchard garden containing fruit trees, natural shaded areas and access to animals within a Farm School environment.

Inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, the nursery places children at the centre of their learning. Practitioners nurture curious and enquiring minds through hands‑on experiences that encourage children to think independently, explore creatively and express themselves with confidence.

The nursery also includes a dedicated creative studio known as The Atelier, where children participate in collaborative projects alongside an in‑house professional artist. You will help practitioners use these learning environments effectively while maintaining strong EYFS, safeguarding and childcare standards.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced room‑based leader who is ready to broaden their people‑management, operational leadership and nursery management experience within a supportive and progressive setting.

• Lead the Under 2s provision, maintaining a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for babies and toddlers.
• Support the Nursery Manager with the effective day‑to‑day leadership and operation of the nursery.
• Lead, mentor and motivate early years practitioners, encouraging reflective practice and continued professional development.
• Maintain consistently high standards of childcare, teaching and learning in line with the EYFS framework.
• Support the planning and delivery of meaningful, child‑led learning experiences indoors and outdoors.
• Embed Forest School, Farm School and Reggio Emilia‑inspired principles within…