Job Description

Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead)

Reports to: Nursery Manager Direct Reports: Key Teachers, Senior Assistants, Assistants (when delegated)

Supports: Nursery Manager with site leadership, curriculum quality, and compliance.

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 the curriculum is implemented to the highest standards, aligned with Abacus Ark’s pedagogical principles: Walking in the Shoes of the Child, Purpose-Driven Environments, Dynamic and Responsive Curriculum, Teachers as Facilitators, and Education as Shared Responsibility. The Deputy Manager plays a pivotal role in mentoring staff, overseeing observations and assessments, and ensuring every child receives high-quality learning and care experiences. They step up as Acting Manager in the absence of the Nursery Manager.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Operational Support

· Act as second-in-command, deputising for the Nursery Manager when required.

· Support in delivering site KPIs, including occupancy, staffing ratios, and compliance.

· Lead on day-to-day staff support, room coverage, and operational problem-solving.

2. Curriculum Implementation & Quality Assurance

· Ensure curriculum planning and delivery meet Abacus Ark’s pedagogical principles.

· Oversee observations, assessments, and planning to ensure all children are supported to achieve their developmental goals.

· Maintain high standards of learning environments across all rooms.

3. Staff Development & Mentoring

· Act as a coach and mentor for Key Teachers and Assistants, modelling best practice.

· Support staff with planning, observations, and teaching strategies.

· Contribute to staff induction and ongoing professional development.

4. Compliance & Safeguarding

· Support the Nursery Manager in ensuring full compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards.

· Maintain accurate records of curriculum delivery, observations, and children’s progress.

· Ensure that all staff understand and follow safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements.

5. Parent Partnerships

· Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication, feedback, and meetings.

· Support the Nursery Manager with parent engagement events, settling-in processes, and feedback reviews.

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.