Job Description

We're thrilled to be recruiting for an

exceptional Deputy Manager and SENCO in our new nursery in East Worthing which we anticipate to open Spring 2026

If starting before the new nursery opens this role will be based at our St Botolph's Road nursery in Worthing and transfer once the new nursery opens.

Shape a New Beginning

We're proud to be opening a new nursery in Worthing - and this is your chance to be part of something truly special from the very start. As the founding Nursery Deputy Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the vision, building the team, and creating a nurturing, inspiring environment from the ground up. If you're excited by growth, innovation, and the chance to leave your mark, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Work For Us?

Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned company that operates six nurseries in the South Coast. Our purpose is to ensure children have the best start in life through outstanding education and care. At Pumpkin Patch we aim to create an environment where children can achieve, belong and thrive. We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian Forest School approaches and are looking for someone who shares the same passion.

This role requires a minimum Level 3 qualification (QTS or EYITT preferred), recent experience working in a Good or Outstanding nursery setting as a Deputy or Lead, excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, people first approach, a strong and confident knowledge of the EYFS framework and a genuine passion for giving children the best possible start in life.

What we offer

Paid breaks Flexible working Discounted childcare Annual pay enhancements Real living wage employer Bonus and voucher schemes Company-funded qualifications Two-week induction programme Educational tours to Italy and Iceland Summer and Christmas social events Christmas to new years off every year Charity of the year and fundraising activities Mental health and wellbeing representatives Paid overtime up to 5 hours per week then TOIL In-house workshops for continuous development Participation in nursery outings such as beach school

Roles and responsibilities

Have overall responsibility for the safety, security and well-being of all children, staff and visitors in the absence of the manager. Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead within the setting, dealing with and supporting any issues as they arise in the absence of the manager. They will mentor Pedagogical Leads, Leads and other educators to contribute to the creation of a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children. Use their knowledge of the areas of learning and deep understanding of how children learn to provide rich, varied and imaginative experiences that enthuse, engage and motivate children. Take the Lead on Pumpkin Patch curriculum alongside the Pedagogical Leads. Support all educators with their projects (as referred to as progettazione*) these are part of our emergent curriculum, there are no time constraints, they are on-going and are open-ended so as to offer extensions and multiple possibilities.
To monitor observations and the assessment of children's learning and development ensuring records are kept up-to-date, are of a high standard and are shared effectively. Monitor the effective use of Early Years Pupil Premium to ensure children are supported to reach their potential.
This is intended to give you an indication of the main duties but is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

Job Details

Salary: 33,800- 34,840 per annum Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time Hours: 40 hours per week, including paid breaks Location: Angola Road, Worthing BN14 8DU

Safeguarding

Pumpkin Patch Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and ensures all staff and volunteers share this commitment. Pumpkin Patch have robust safeguarding and safer recruitment policies and procedures to ensure all positions are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer.

The position for which you are applying involves contact with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all subsequent amendments (England and Wales). For this position you are not entitled to withhold information about police cautions and convictions that have been made against you. Including any that would otherwise be considered 'spent' under the Act.

For further information

Please contact Lucy Dann our HR and Recruitment Administrator on 01273 568798 for further information or an application form. CV's will not be accepted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 33,800.00-34,840.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Childcare Company pension Employee discount Referral programme Sick pay
Application question(s):

Which Childcare qualification do you have? Have you worked in a good or outstanding nursery as a lead of deputy? How many years Lead or Deputy experience do you have?
Work Location: In person