Deputy Manager
| Posting date: | 23 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £30,000 to £35,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 March 2026 |
| Location: | HP9 2FJ |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Little Ducklings childcare |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
The Deputy Manager will assist the Manager in the day-to-day running of the early years setting, ensuring the highest standards of care, learning, and development are maintained for all children. The Deputy Manager will also lead and inspire the team, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and fostering a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for children, staff, and families.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Management
• Act as a role model for the team, demonstrating best practices in childcare and leadership.
• Support the Manager in recruiting, training, and mentoring staff.
• Supervise and appraise staff performance, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development.
• Step into the Manager's role during absences, ensuring smooth operation of the setting.
• Assist in managing staff schedules, rotas, and holiday planning.
2. Childcare and Education
• Ensure the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to support children’s learning and development.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across the setting.
• Develop and maintain inclusive practices that meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND.
• Build strong, nurturing relationships with children, ensuring their emotional and physical needs are met.
3. Compliance and Safeguarding
• Ensure the setting complies with all relevant legislation, including health and safety, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy DSL) to promote and safeguard the welfare of children.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, policies, and best practices in early years care.
• Ensure all records (e.g., attendance, accidents, and incidents) are accurately maintained.
4. Parent and Community Engagement
• Foster strong relationships with parents and carers, ensuring they are informed and involved in their child’s learning and development.
• Handle parent concerns or complaints professionally, escalating to the Manager when necessary.
• Promote the setting within the local community to maintain and grow enrolment.
5. Administrative Duties
• Assist in managing budgets and financial operations, including invoicing and resource allocation.
• Monitor occupancy levels and support the Manager in meeting business objectives.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to and updated as necessary.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Management
• Act as a role model for the team, demonstrating best practices in childcare and leadership.
• Support the Manager in recruiting, training, and mentoring staff.
• Supervise and appraise staff performance, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development.
• Step into the Manager's role during absences, ensuring smooth operation of the setting.
• Assist in managing staff schedules, rotas, and holiday planning.
2. Childcare and Education
• Ensure the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to support children’s learning and development.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across the setting.
• Develop and maintain inclusive practices that meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND.
• Build strong, nurturing relationships with children, ensuring their emotional and physical needs are met.
3. Compliance and Safeguarding
• Ensure the setting complies with all relevant legislation, including health and safety, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy DSL) to promote and safeguard the welfare of children.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, policies, and best practices in early years care.
• Ensure all records (e.g., attendance, accidents, and incidents) are accurately maintained.
4. Parent and Community Engagement
• Foster strong relationships with parents and carers, ensuring they are informed and involved in their child’s learning and development.
• Handle parent concerns or complaints professionally, escalating to the Manager when necessary.
• Promote the setting within the local community to maintain and grow enrolment.
5. Administrative Duties
• Assist in managing budgets and financial operations, including invoicing and resource allocation.
• Monitor occupancy levels and support the Manager in meeting business objectives.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to and updated as necessary.