Job Description

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Nursery Deputy Manager - maternity leave cover

Willow Cottage are seeking a temporary Deputy Manager to cover maternity leave from January/February 2026 for approximately 12 months. The suitable applicant will be a dynamic leader with a passion for early years education. If you are dedicated to nurturing young minds, with a good head for organisation and an eye for detail, we would love to hear from you!

Roles and Responsibilities

As a deputy manager you will be involved in:
- Leading safeguarding for the setting, putting the welfare and safety of the children above all else
- To deputise for the manager in their absence
- Supporting our setting management team in various ways.
- To maintain and develop a deep understanding of the EYFS and child development and help deliver the EYFS, monitoring, training and supporting staff.
- Being a role model of integrity, reliability and professionalism

Please see our website for the full job description. www.willow-cottage.com

Location
Farmoor Nursery OX2 9NT

Salary
33,751pa

2000 Welcome bonus (T&Cs apply)

Contract
40 Hours, Full-Time over 4 days

Required
Early Years Level 3 qualification or above

Experience
3 years or above working in the Early Years

1 years experience in early years leadership

Safeguarding

Willow Cottage is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants must be able to provide evidence of having the right to live and work in the UK and must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. Please see our willow-cottage.com/jobs web site for further information.

More Information

For more information you can have a look at the job description on our web site www.willow-cottage.com/jobs

Benefits

Competitive and regularly review salary
Flexible working arrangements
50% staff discount on fees
31 days A/L + your Birthday off
Bonus annual leave for long service
Bonus annual leave for Christmas Shopping
Scheme to purchase additional Annual Leave
We support both inhouse and external training
We promote and support many internal career opportunities
We are a family business promoting caring, supportive environment and culture
Refer a friend scheme

There is ample free parking on our site
We our staff are able to join the NEST pension scheme
Beautiful countryside setting

For more information about working for Willow Cottage please see our vacancies page on our website www.willow-cottage.com

To apply for this job please use the green 'Apply' button above.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 33,751.00 per year

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Experience:

Early childhood education: 4 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Early Years level 3 qualification or above (required)
Work Location: In person