Deputy Nursery Manager

Company: Portman Recruitment Limited
Apply for the Deputy Nursery Manager
Location: St Helens
Job Description:

Deputy Nursery Manager – Preschool

Location: St Helens, MerseysideSalary: Up to £30,000 per annumContract: Full-time, PermanentQualification: Minimum Level 3 Early Years/ChildcareKey Responsibilities: Deputy Manager | SENCO | Deputy DSLWorking Pattern: 3 days in the preschool room | 2 days out of numbers

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced and passionate Deputy Nursery Manager to join a well-established preschool in St Helens.

This is an excellent opportunity for an existing Deputy Manager or an ambitious Room Leader, Senior Practitioner or Assistant Manager who is ready to take the next step in their career.

The role offers a great balance between remaining hands-on with the children and having dedicated management time, with two days each week out of numbers to focus on Deputy Manager, SENCO, safeguarding and administrative responsibilities.

The successful candidate will become the nursery’s designated SENCO and support the Manager with safeguarding as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The Setting

The preschool is an established and well-performing setting with a strong commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive early years education and care.

Under the new Ofsted inspection report card framework, the setting has achieved Strong Standard in two areas and Expected Standard across the remaining areas, demonstrating that it is securely meeting required standards while exceeding expectations in specific areas.

The children and families attending the setting have a diverse range of needs, so we are particularly interested in practitioners who understand that effective early years practice extends beyond the nursery room.

You’ll need to be confident supporting children with SEND, working with families and collaborating with Social Services and other external professionals where required.

Your Working Week

One of the key benefits of this position is its clearly defined split between operational and management responsibilities.

3 days per week – Preschool Room

You’ll work directly with the children and staff team, remaining visible, involved and hands-on with the day-to-day running of the preschool.

2 days per week – Out of Numbers

You’ll have dedicated time away from the room to focus on:

  • Deputy Manager responsibilities
  • SENCO duties and SEND provision
  • Safeguarding and Deputy DSL responsibilities
  • Liaising with Social Services and external agencies
  • Supporting children and families with additional or complex needs
  • Administration, documentation and compliance

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Posted: October 11th, 2026