Deputy Nursery Manager

The University of Bradford Nursery has supported students, staff and local families since 1992. Awarded a second consecutive Outstanding Ofsted judgement in 2026, the nursery provides nurturing, inclusive early education. The University's values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion underpin its commitment to children's wellbeing, strong family partnerships and high-quality practice. The nursery is part of the Directorate of People and Culture.

What you will be doing:

Supporting daily nursery operations and deputising for the Nursery Manager. Managing staff deployment, performance and development. Coordinating finances, funding, occupancy and admissions. Supporting safer recruitment and induction. Monitoring the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and supporting Ofsted inspection readiness. Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Health and Safety Champion. Building strong partnerships with families, colleagues and professionals.

Qualifications and experience required:

A full and relevant Level 3 early years qualification. Substantial experience in an early years setting, including in a supervisory or management role, with experience of leading staff and managing day-to-day performance. Strong knowledge and practical application of the EYFS, safeguarding and child protection requirements. Good knowledge of child development and inclusive early years practice, including supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Experience of early education funding and the associated financial and administrative processes.

In return we offer:

25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas). Family-friendly policies. Campus facilities including a fitness centre, eye clinic, physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation, counselling and mental health services, on-site nursery, and food and drink outlets. Generous employer contribution pension schemes. Generous benefit schemes including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home and technology scheme, and shopping discounts.