All Locations
Paignton
Advertising SalarySalary Details:
£25,393 - £29,728 for hours and weeks stated (£27,386 - £32,061 FTE)
Function:
Nursery - Little Thinkers
Contract TypeContract Type:
Fixed Term Contract
Hours Per WeekHours Per Week:
40
Weeks Per YearWeeks Per Year:
39
Required Start Date:Required Start Date:
September 2025
Interview DateInterview Date:
TBC
External Advertising End Date
22 Jun 2025

About The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Deputy Manager for our thriving nursery based at Curledge Street Academy. This role also includes a wider overview of our South West settings, including our Kings Ash site.

Our current Little Thinkers Nurseries at Curledge Street and Kings Ash specialise in children 0-2 and our settings are created for these ages in mind.  At Little Thinkers, we believe in Transforming Life Chances, starting from the very beginning. As the deputy manager, there would be responsibilities working alongside the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, promoting the importance of metacognition and developing Thinking skills.

The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking individual who can work alongside our manager to ensure our children get the very best care and education. We know at Little Thinkers that our children thrive through well thought our resources and experiences. Good quality Interactions and developing relationships with our children is the key to our success. As the Deputy Manager, you would lead all staff in ensuring our approach is consistent and always of good quality.

Key Responsibilities:
Support the day-to-day management of the nursery, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment
Lead and inspire a team of early years practitioners to deliver consistent, high-quality interactions and experiences
Uphold and promote the ethos of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, embedding reflective practice and thinking skills into daily routines
Oversee planning, assessment, and safeguarding procedures in line with EYFS and Trust policies
Build strong relationships with children, families, and staff to support every child’s development and well-being

About You:
A forward-thinking, enthusiastic leader with a passion for early years education
Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or equivalent)
Proven experience in a leadership role within a nursery or early years setting
Strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, and EYFS framework
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

This is a temporary contract to cover maternity leave. Therefore this contract will cease upon the return of the substantive post holder, or when the temporary contract ends, whichever is soonest.
 
Join us in shaping the future for our youngest learners through thoughtful care, meaningful interactions, and a commitment to excellence.

About Us

Little Thinkers is a small family of Nurseries providing childcare and early years provision to families. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, nurturing environment filled with learning opportunities.

At Little Thinkers, our experienced, qualified and caring staff help children discover their world through multi-sensory experiences, make new friends and become confident, independent learners. We are extremely proud to be part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust; a partnership that enables us to craft a curriculum for your child that will give them the best start on an incredible educational journey. Our wonder curriculum helps children gain the skills and confidence they need to progress to Primary school.
 
 

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. 

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.  That’s why we invest in our people and are recognised as the Multi Academy Trust Association Employer of the Year for 2025/2026, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils. 

Learn more about our Vision and Values here

Next steps:
 
Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.

Prospective candidates are invited to visit our welcoming schools. We strongly encourage any applicants who may be interested in working at our Little Thinkers to contact Emma Varney, Office Manager via email  [email protected]
 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email [email protected]  

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