Preschool Deputy Manager
| Posting date: | 09 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 11 March 2026 |
| Location: | OX26 6SX |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Cygnets Preschool |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Are you a passionate Early Years professional with a heart for nurturing little minds? Cygnets Preschool in Bicester is looking for a fabulous, professional, fun and impactful new Deputy Manager to join our flock!
Based on the lovely grounds of Langford Village School, we are a thriving, independent, non-profit preschool run by a dedicated committee of parents and grandparents. We aren't just a childcare setting; we are a warm, "family-feel" community where children aged 2–4 years come to flourish, explore, and most importantly, have a blast!
This is a hands-on role perfect for someone who loves being in the thick of the action while helping to steer the ship. Imagine starting your day with a team huddle, spending your morning building rocket ships out of cardboard boxes, and your afternoon mentoring staff or crafting inclusive support. You’ll be working closely with our Preschool Manager to ensure every child is stimulated, nurtured, and supported to reach their full potential. We are looking for someone professional and qualified, but who doesn't take themselves too seriously to jump into a sandpit or join a tea party. It's not every day you get the chance to join a team as dedicated and highly regarded as ours. We pride ourselves on a nurturing atmosphere where both children and staff feel right at home.
The Professional Essentials
• Qualified & Knowledgeable: You must hold a Level 3 (or above) in Early Years Education and have a solid grasp of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and Inspection Frameworks.
• Safety First: A deep understanding of Safeguarding is vital. You’ll be a champion for our policies and procedures (Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid training will be required).
• Operational Pro: You can maintain high operational standards while balancing leadership "admin" with the fast-paced energy of a preschool day.
The Creative Educator
• Interest-Led Learning: You love to plan and teach around what sparks a child’s curiosity, maintaining a balance between a relaxed environment and a supportive structure.
• Inclusive Heart: You have experience working with children from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Always Growing: You have a proactive attitude toward CPD and a genuine willingness to undertake fresh training to keep your skills sharp and to stay at the top of your game.
The "Cygnets" Spirit
• Leadership by Example: You are ready to mentor and work alongside a "fabulous" team, ensuring we deliver the highest quality childcare in every single session.
• The Perfect Balance: You bring a sense of fun and infectious enthusiasm to the floor, but you back it up with a mature, responsible, and professional attitude.
• Community-minded: You have a genuine drive to build relationships and make a real difference in the lives of our children and their families.
At Cygnets Preschool, the safety and well-being of our children are our top priorities. We follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure our "flock" is in the best possible hands:
• Commitment to Safety: We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.
• Background Checks: The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check (or provide details for the update service).
• References: In line with our policy, professional references will be requested and obtained before the start of employment.
• How to Apply: To keep things fair and consistent, we do not accept CVs. Please reach out for our official application form.
Are you ready to make a splash?
If you have the enthusiasm, the experience, and a love for Early Years, we would love to hear from you!
Based on the lovely grounds of Langford Village School, we are a thriving, independent, non-profit preschool run by a dedicated committee of parents and grandparents. We aren't just a childcare setting; we are a warm, "family-feel" community where children aged 2–4 years come to flourish, explore, and most importantly, have a blast!
This is a hands-on role perfect for someone who loves being in the thick of the action while helping to steer the ship. Imagine starting your day with a team huddle, spending your morning building rocket ships out of cardboard boxes, and your afternoon mentoring staff or crafting inclusive support. You’ll be working closely with our Preschool Manager to ensure every child is stimulated, nurtured, and supported to reach their full potential. We are looking for someone professional and qualified, but who doesn't take themselves too seriously to jump into a sandpit or join a tea party. It's not every day you get the chance to join a team as dedicated and highly regarded as ours. We pride ourselves on a nurturing atmosphere where both children and staff feel right at home.
The Professional Essentials
• Qualified & Knowledgeable: You must hold a Level 3 (or above) in Early Years Education and have a solid grasp of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and Inspection Frameworks.
• Safety First: A deep understanding of Safeguarding is vital. You’ll be a champion for our policies and procedures (Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid training will be required).
• Operational Pro: You can maintain high operational standards while balancing leadership "admin" with the fast-paced energy of a preschool day.
The Creative Educator
• Interest-Led Learning: You love to plan and teach around what sparks a child’s curiosity, maintaining a balance between a relaxed environment and a supportive structure.
• Inclusive Heart: You have experience working with children from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Always Growing: You have a proactive attitude toward CPD and a genuine willingness to undertake fresh training to keep your skills sharp and to stay at the top of your game.
The "Cygnets" Spirit
• Leadership by Example: You are ready to mentor and work alongside a "fabulous" team, ensuring we deliver the highest quality childcare in every single session.
• The Perfect Balance: You bring a sense of fun and infectious enthusiasm to the floor, but you back it up with a mature, responsible, and professional attitude.
• Community-minded: You have a genuine drive to build relationships and make a real difference in the lives of our children and their families.
At Cygnets Preschool, the safety and well-being of our children are our top priorities. We follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure our "flock" is in the best possible hands:
• Commitment to Safety: We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.
• Background Checks: The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check (or provide details for the update service).
• References: In line with our policy, professional references will be requested and obtained before the start of employment.
• How to Apply: To keep things fair and consistent, we do not accept CVs. Please reach out for our official application form.
Are you ready to make a splash?
If you have the enthusiasm, the experience, and a love for Early Years, we would love to hear from you!