Job Title: Nursery Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead)
Location: Earlsfield
Salary: £38,200.00
Start Date: November 2026
Reports to: Nursery Manager Direct Reports: Key Teachers, Senior Assistants, Assistants (when delegated)
Supports: Nursery Manager with site leadership, curriculum quality, and compliance.
Role Summary
The Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead) is the second-in-command at the nursery, responsible for supporting the Nursery Manager in site leadership, team development, and operational delivery.
As Curriculum Lead, the Deputy Manager ensures high-quality curriculum delivery aligned with Abacus Ark’s principles, mentors staff, oversees observations and assessments, and ensures strong learning experiences for all children. They also act as Manager in the Nursery Manager’s absence.
Why Join Abacus Ark Nursery?
- 4-Day Working Week – Work full-time hours across just 4 days and enjoy 3 days off every week for better work-life balance.
- 32 Days Annual Leave (Includes 8 Bank Holidays, 4 Personal Wellbeing Days)
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Medical Cashback Plan – Health Shield plan worth over £1,000 per year (including GP Anytime, health screening, health cash plans, MyGymDiscounts, SkinVision, online health assessments, massages, dental, optical and more)
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Training & Career Development – including specialised training and support/funding with enrolling onto further qualifications
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Progression opportunities within the company
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New site openings – further opportunities available
We invest heavily in our team with:
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Blue Light Card access with major high street stores/food/cinema/holiday/travel discounts (various discounts between 10-20% off
- Manager Bonus Incentive
- Long service rewards
- Mental health and wellbeing support
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Annual inset training days (fun & interactive)
- Team social events and celebrations
- Company pension
- Ongoing professional development
- Leadership development opportunities
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Supportive team culture and mentorship from experienced early years professionals
- Inclusive and positive working environment
- First aid and safeguarding training
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as deputy to the Nursery Manager, supporting day-to-day operations including staffing, room coverage, KPIs, and compliance.
- Ensure high-quality EYFS curriculum delivery, overseeing planning, observations, assessments, and learning environments so children meet developmental goals.
- Lead and mentor staff by modelling best practice, supporting planning and teaching, and contributing to induction and ongoing development.
- Support safeguarding and Ofsted compliance, maintaining accurate records and ensuring all staff follow safeguarding procedures.
- Build strong parent partnerships through regular communication, feedback, settling-in support, and engagement events.
Success Indicators:
· Curriculum delivery meets Abacus Ark pedagogical standards.
· Observations and assessments completed to required timelines and quality.
· Staff demonstrate strong teaching practice and continuous professional growth.
· Positive feedback from parents on communication and learning progress.
· Nursery achieves or maintains Good/Outstanding Ofsted ratings.
Professional Requirements
· Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum); Level 5 or above preferred.
· Strong understanding of EYFS, curriculum planning, and child development.
· Experience in mentoring staff and supporting team development.
· Good knowledge of Ofsted and safeguarding requirements.
· Ability to lead in the Manager’s absence.
