Job Description

About Us:

At Brayton Headstart Preschool, we believe early years should be magical, muddy, musical, and filled with belly laughs! We're on the hunt for a fun-loving, creative, and caring Early Years Deputy Manager to join our small (but mighty!) team of child-champions.

We're lucky to be based on high school grounds, which means we've got a giant sports field to run wild on--so you'll need to be up for racing like a rocket, flapping like a bird, or zooming like a superhero... even if the teenagers are peeking out the windows!

We sing loudly (and proudly off-key), tell stories in the silliest voices, and dive headfirst into glitter, bubbles, and messy play. If you believe every child deserves to feel safe, celebrated, and completely magical--you'll fit right in at our Ofsted rated Outstanding preschool!.

Your Role:

As Deputy Manager, you'll work closely with the Preschool Directors to support the day-to-day running of the setting. You'll confidently take the lead when the Managers are away, helping to guide the team, keep things running smoothly, and ensure every child experiences a safe, stimulating, and joy-filled day.

You'll be a vital part of our senior team, helping to create a high-quality, inclusive learning environment that's full of laughter, curiosity, and glittery chaos.

This role is perfect for someone who's a natural leader--organised, knowledgeable, and passionate about early years--but also someone who doesn't mind being covered in stickers, acting out storybook characters, or wearing odd socks on purpose just to make a child smile.

If you're the kind of person who can lead a team meeting, then skip into the garden for a dinosaur hunt, you'll fit right in!

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Support:

Support the Managers/Directors in leading, motivating, and supervising the team.

Assist with staff rotas, ensuring ratios and routines are always maintained.

Help with new staff inductions, supervisions, and ongoing staff development.

Support apprentices, students, and volunteers in their learning.

Conduct show-arounds for new families and help welcome new children.

Learning & Development:

Act as key person for a small group of children and build positive partnerships with families.

Plan and deliver exciting, play-based activities in line with the EYFS.

Observe and track children's development, supporting next steps and individual needs.

Promote inclusive practice and work closely with children with SEND.

Safeguarding & Compliance:

Maintain accurate records (registers, accident forms, medication, allergies, etc.).

Uphold and implement all safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety policies.

Ensure a safe and stimulating indoor and outdoor environment.

Family & Community Engagement:

Liaise with families throughout the child's journey in the setting.

Share progress and celebrate achievements.

Support community and parent events (e.g. parents' evenings, fun days).

Liaise with professionals and external agencies where needed.

Person Specification:

Essential:

Level 5 (or working towards) in Childcare/Early Years. Minimum 3 years' experience in an early years setting. Strong knowledge of the EYFS (2025) and current safeguarding procedures. Confident, warm leader with great communication and team-building skills. Enhanced DBS check and on the update service(or willingness to obtain). Current Paediatric First Aid

Desirable:

Level 3 Safeguarding (Designated Safeguarding Lead). Experience working with children with SEND. Food Hygiene Level 2. Familiarity with digital learning journals (Blossoms). Experience working with Ofsted.

What We Offer

:

Competitive Salary will be discussed during the interview and will reflect your experience, qualifications, and the magic you bring to our preschool team! A supportive team with regular coaching and training from our onsite Childcare Tutor/Assessor. Opportunity to grow and develop as a leader. A warm, playful setting where you can truly make a difference. Free on-site parking. No weekend work! (Well... unless you just can't resistscrolling Pinterest or wandering the craft aisles for new activity ideas :-))

Working Hours:

Term Time Only: Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm (30 hours/week)

Possibility of wraparound/holiday cover if numbers allow

Safeguarding Statement:

Brayton Headstart Preschool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable groups. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

An enhanced DBS check and suitable references are required. Applicants must disclose any convictions or orders made against them.

Sound like you?

If you're ready to lead with heart, laugh with the little ones, and turn every day into a new adventure in learning -- we'd love to hear from you!

At Brayton Headstart, we don't just care for children -- we celebrate them, encourage their curiosity, and nurture their imagination.

If you find yourself going family shopping and suddenly filling your trolley with preschool craft supplies, or pulling mystery glitter, pipe cleaners, or googly eyes out of your coat pockets or hair -- then you might already be one of us!

So, dust off your silly voices, grab your favourite storybook, and come show us why you're the missing piece of our preschool puzzle.

Apply today -- your next big adventure starts here!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

DBS and are you on the Update Service? (required)
Work Location: In person