Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Deputy Nursery Manager, Band 4- Little Apples Nursery


Location
Cheltenham, England
Salary
£28,392 - £31,157 (pa pro rata if part-time)
Profession
Manager and corporate
Grade
Band 4
Deadline
29 Jul 2026
Contract Type
Permanent
Posted Date
15 Jul 2026
Medical Protection — the side of locally employed doctors from £83

Job overview

Are you a level 3 Qualified Nursery Nurse looking for a new opportunity within an NHS Nursery? Join Little Oaks Nursery  and experience a workplace that truly values its staff’s health and wellbeing

We’re excited to welcome a  Deputy Nursery Manager to join our team at  Little Apples , located in Cheltenham, close to Cheltenham General Hospital . Our dedicated team includes professionals at all levels, from Nursery Trainees to Degree-Level Practitioners, all sharing a passion for creating a stimulating and nurturing environment for the children in our care

At Little Apples, you'll be warmly welcomed by our experienced team and enjoy a future full of opportunities, support, and a comprehensive range of NHS benefits that set us apart from other nurseries including an excellent pension, generous annual leave and flexible working. We’re looking for someone who is passionate and brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Our nurseries offer full day care throughout the year, operating from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday

Join a respected and high-profile organisation, dedicated to providing the best in NHS childcare. We take pride in fostering a caring and supportive environment where children feel valued, safe, and happy

Shift pattern of 6:45-14:45, 08:00-16:00 and 10:00-18:00 alternative weeks, part time hours can be considered

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

Meeting the diverse needs of children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Supporting the Manager with running our 72 place nursery

To manage time effectively to complete additional duties such as planning and completing developmental records.

Meeting the needs of the parents/guardians acting professionally, compassionately and consistently in day to day and sensitive situations

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

- Meeting the diverse needs of children aged 3 months to 5 years

- To deputise for the manager in her absence and ensure the requirements of Ofsted Statuary framework and all other regulatory bodies are met at all times.  To undertake managerial responsibilities and effectively manage time between both roles.

- To adhere to the Nursery Policies, review any ineffective practice.

- To actively promote good working practice and hold a high regard for the delivery of quality, flexible childcare ensuring that the nursery provides a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children and parents, promoting positive play experiences at all times.

- To promote the successful implementation of the Foundation Stage through effective curriculum planning and to manage time effectively to complete additional duties such as planning and completing developmental records

- To support and develop staff and students within the nursery ensuring that they are encouraged to reach maximum potential.

- To ensure maximum use of available resources is promoted supporting the nursery Manager to achieve a break-even basis at the end of each financial year.

- Together with the Nursery Manager, promote the nursery as a staff facility for eligible groups of NHS employees and evaluate performance through communication with parents e.g. using questionnaires and meetings.

- Being room based supporting key children and record keeping for approx 80% of the week

- Meeting the needs of the parents/guardians acting professionally, compassionately and consistently in day to day and sensitive situation

- To ensure the requirements of Early Years Foundation stage and all other regulatory bodies are met at all times

- To adhere to the nursery policies

- To actively promote good working practice and hold a high regard for the delivery of quality, flexible childcare ensuring that the nursery provides a safe, hygienic, caring and stimulating environment for children and parents, promoting positive play experiences at all times

- To work as part of a team and support/guide Nursery Assistants and Students ensuring that they are encouraged to reach maximum potential

- Actively promote diversity both in relation to childcare provision generally and in the nurseries, ensuring that a culturally sensitive environment is maintained

- Considerable flexibility is required to meet the changing needs of the children

- To be a key holder and when required open or close the nursery

If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, we’d love to hear from you! For more information about this role, please contact Angela Clarke, Nursery Manager, at Little Apples on 0300 422 2260

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Must have a level 3 full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification
  • Paediatric Fist Aid level 3
  • Appropriate Experience with working within a nursery environment
  • Good knowledge of the EYFS and Statutory Requirements

Desirable

  • Appropriate experience of working within a nursery setting and supporting other staff
  • Safeguarding training/Designated Safeguarding lead
  • Food handling and Basic Food hygiene training/knowledge

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Applying for this NHS job

This advert is for Deputy Nursery Manager, Band 4- Little Apples Nursery with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Cheltenham, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 (pa pro rata if part-time). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 29 Jul 2026.

Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (15 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.

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