Our Careers

Are you an experienced early years professional ready to take the next step in your career? Santos Day Nurseries is looking for a passionate and dedicated Deputy Manager to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to combine leadership, hands-on childcare, and office-based responsibilities, ensuring the highest standards of care and education for our children.

Key Details

• Role: Deputy Manager
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (term-time, with potential flexibility)
• Start Date: Immediate availability preferred
• Location: Santos Day Nurseries
• Salary: Negotiable based on experience and qualifications

About the Role

As a Deputy Manager, you’ll split your time between:

• Leading and supporting the under-2’s room to create a nurturing, stimulating environment.
• Carrying out office-based duties to ensure smooth daily operations.

Your role will be vital in upholding our commitment to exceptional early years education, ensuring every child receives the best start in life.

Requirements

• Qualifications: Minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare.
• Experience: At least 1 year of management experience in a similar setting.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of the EYFS framework and safeguarding practices.
• Skills: Effective leadership, communication, and organisational abilities.

Why Join Us?

At Santos Day Nurseries, we foster a collaborative and supportive environment where every team member feels valued. We are committed to your professional growth and creating a workplace where you can thrive.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about early years education and want to grow within a dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you!

Complete the form (right) and upload your CV to apply. Join us in shaping the future, one child at a time. 🌟

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner (Level 2/3)
Location: Santos Day Nurseries
Reports To: Nursery Manager & Deputy Manager
Start Date: April 2025
Full-Time/Term-Time: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Level 2/3 Early Years Practitioner to join our team at Santos Day Nurseries. With at least one year of experience in childcare, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality care and learning to children aged from birth to 5 years. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for those who are committed to supporting children’s development and working as part of a dynamic team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Childcare & Learning: Deliver a high standard of care and education across the nursery, ensuring the safety and development of children aged 0-5 years.

• Safeguarding: Be a safeguarding lead, taking immediate action if a child is at risk of harm, and notifying the management team of any concerns.

• Parent Partnerships: Build strong relationships with parents, encouraging their involvement in their child’s development through workshops, events, and regular communication.

• Room-Based Leadership: Support and oversee daily activities within your designated room, ensuring activities align with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.

• Health & Safety: Maintain a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors, and report any health and safety concerns to the management team.

• Staffing & Ratios: Ensure correct staffing ratios are maintained, and assist in logistical planning for the daily operations of the nursery.

• Communication: Address and resolve any parent or staff concerns promptly, escalating to management when necessary.

• Nursery Operations: Be responsible for opening and closing the nursery, ensuring the security of the premises at all times.

• Professional Development: Take part in continuous professional development and contribute to the nursery’s marketing, open days, and recruitment efforts.

• OFSTED & Inspections: Support and lead OFSTED inspections, health checks, and visits from other professionals when required.

• Additional Responsibilities: Handle new enquiries, show rounds, and resolve parent concerns regarding session availability, extra bookings, and other inquiries.

Main Activities:

• EYFS Delivery: Plan and implement a stimulating, play-based curriculum tailored to each child’s individual progress.

• Key Person Role: Fulfil the key person responsibilities, ensuring children’s development is tracked and communicated with parents.

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records such as attendance registers, accident logs, risk assessments, and other essential documentation.

• Collaborative Work: Work closely with the nursery team, local professionals, and external agencies, such as SENCO, Health Visitors, and case workers, to support the needs of the children.

• Risk Assessments: Conduct and review risk assessments in your room and on outdoor areas to ensure children’s safety.

• Nursery Procedures: Follow all nursery policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with Ofsted requirements and handling incidents, accidents, and emergencies effectively.

• Other Duties: Undertake any other reasonable tasks as directed by senior management to meet the nursery’s objectives.

What We Are Looking For:

• Experience: At least 1 year of experience working in childcare, with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education (or equivalent).

• Skills & Passion: A genuine passion for working with children and the ability to build strong relationships with both children and parents.

• Knowledge: A solid understanding of the EYFS curriculum and safeguarding procedures.

• Commitment to Development: Willingness to continue developing your professional skills and contribute to the success of the nursery.

• Team Player: Ability to work effectively with colleagues and management in a collaborative environment.