Deputy Nursery Manager & DSL
The Nook Nursery – Leyton, E10
Full-time | Permanent | September 2026 Start
Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 (dependent on experience)
We are looking for a full-time Deputy Nursery Manager in Leyton (E10) to join our growing team at The Nook Nursery. This full-time, permanent Early Years leadership role is ideal for an experienced practitioner looking to step into a supportive, child-centred setting in East London.
This is a hands-on role for someone who loves being with children just as much as supporting a team. You’ll work closely with the Nursery Manager and Directors to help shape a calm, child-led setting where relationships come first.
About The Nook Nursery in Leyton
The Nook is a small, independent nursery in Leyton, designed to feel like home, not a classroom. We follow the EYFS through a child-led, curiosity-driven approach, with natural materials, beautiful spaces, and outdoor learning every day — rain or shine.
We believe in slowing down, paying attention, and creating a space where children feel safe, settled, and truly known. You can learn more about our ethos on our Why The Nook Nursery page.
Deputy Nursery Manager Role Overview
As Deputy Manager, you’ll be part of the leadership team and a key presence on the floor. You’ll help set the tone for the nursery day-to-day — supporting staff, building strong relationships with families, and making sure children feel safe, settled, and known.
This is not a desk-only role. You’ll be involved in:
- Supporting the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery
- Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking lead responsibility for safeguarding practice across the setting
- Leading by example on the floor with children and staff
- Supporting staff with observations, in-the-moment planning and reflective practice
- Building strong, honest relationships with parents and carers
- Helping to create a calm, organised, well-run environment
- Covering for the Manager when needed
Requirements and Experience for the Deputy Nursery Manager Role
You’ll be someone who is:
- Level 3 qualified in Early Years (or above)
- Experienced in a senior role (Deputy Manager, Room Leader or similar)
- Confident with EYFS and safeguarding responsibilities
- Calm, reflective, and supportive in your leadership style
- Genuinely child-centred — you notice, listen, and respond
- Comfortable supporting and mentoring a team
- Organised, reliable, and emotionally intelligent
We’re especially keen to hear from people who:
- Prefer small, independent nurseries over big chains
- Care about environment, natural play, and outdoor learning
- Want to spend time with children, not just manage paperwork
- Value relationships with families as much as systems and processes
Why Work at The Nook Nursery in Leyton: Our Culture and Approach
The Nook is built around a simple idea: slow down, pay attention, and put children first.
You’ll be joining a setting where:
- Children lead their own learning through play and exploration
- Staff are trusted, supported, and listened to
- There’s less box-ticking, more meaningful practice
- The environment is calm, cosy, and thoughtfully designed
- Food is fresh, real, and shared together
- You help shape a new nursery from the ground up
Our culture is warm, honest, and calm — not corporate, not rushed, not chaotic.
We are easily accessible from Walthamstow, Stratford, and Hackney
Hours & salary
- Full-time, Monday to Friday
- Nursery hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm
- 35 Contracted Hours per week | 1 Hour unpaid lunch break every day
- Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 pa
Safeguarding at the Nook Nursery
The Nook Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and ongoing suitability checks.
If this sounds like the kind of place you’d like to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply for this Deputy Nursery Manager Job in Leyton
Click button below to send your CV and a short covering note:
Tell us a little about:
- Your experience in early years
- What kind of nursery you enjoy working in
- Why The Nook feels like a good fit for you
We’re looking to appoint for September, though an earlier start can be arranged if you’re available.
You can also explore more opportunities on our Careers at The Nook Nursery page.