Deputy Nursery Manager / Nursery Practitioner Early Years Educator


Company:	Childrens Day Care Company Ltd. t/a The Butterfly Patch Nurseries
Salary:	£34,000 to £38,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Croydon, CR0 7RR
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	6 Nov 2026
Closing date:	6 Dec 2026

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Summary

Join The Butterfly Patch at Norman House, Brookside Way, Shirley. We are looking for a caring, confident Deputy Nursery Manager who enjoys working directly with children and leading by example.

This opportunity has arisen as our current Deputy Manager is stepping down from the role. We welcome applications from experienced deputies and strong room leaders ready to take the next step within our privately owned nursery group.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a mainly room-based deputy role, working four long days a week. You will be an active part of the room team, providing high-quality care and education while supporting colleagues and the Nursery Manager. You will have a minimum of one day in the office each week, with additional office time on other days as needed to fulfil your deputy responsibilities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working directly with children, building warm relationships and creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing room environment.

• Planning and supporting child-led learning in line with the EYFS, encouraging curiosity, creativity and exploration.

• Leading by example in the room, coaching colleagues and supporting consistent, high-quality practice.

• Supporting the daily running of the nursery and deputising for the Manager in their absence.

• Championing safeguarding, children's wellbeing and inclusive practice.

• Monitoring children's development and building positive partnerships with parents and carers.

• Using your office time to support staffing, records, planning and other nursery management responsibilities.

WHAT WE OFFER

Benefits include 31 days' annual leave, including your birthday off, overtime paid at 1.5x, 40–60% childcare discounts, private GP access, life insurance, wellbeing support, funded training and opportunities for career progression. Annual leave entitlement is calculated in line with the working pattern.

This is a full-time, permanent position working four long days per week.

The Butterfly Patch is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and the relevant suitability and right-to-work checks.

We welcome applications directly from candidates. No recruitment agencies.

Essential requirements

• A full and relevant Level 3 early years qualification or above. • Experience working in an early years setting, with experience leading a room or supporting a team. • Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child protection. • The confidence to support colleagues, communicate clearly with families and deputise for the Nursery Manager. • A warm, organised and proactive approach, with a commitment to inclusive care and children's wellbeing.

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