Assistant Deputy Manager

Department: Nursery Education

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Dulwich, London

Reporting To: Chelsea Garratt

Compensation: £33,717 - £35,131 / year

We’re more than just a nursery group. We’re the UK’s most innovative early-years education provider.

At N Family Club, we dreamed of reimagining early years education. Becoming a place that fosters creativity, embraces a curriculum-led approach, and prepares children for the modern world. We’re proudly making our dream a reality – and we want you to be a part of it!

As an Assistant Deputy Manager at N Family, you’ll support the nursery management team and lead our incredible Educators to deliver outstanding education, brilliant customer service, and a thriving team culture. As an early years’ expert, you’ll encourage passionate, innovative teaching and take the lead on nursery operations whenever the Deputy Manager is away.

In our fast-paced, ever-evolving environment, you’ll drive our Wildly Important Goals (WIG) forward, keep us improving, and help us achieve our vision of becoming the most loved early years education group in the UK.

Your key responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive as a team.
• Partner with the Deputy Manager to deliver outstanding education in line with the N Pedagogy and Curriculum.
• Champion safeguarding and wellbeing, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead when needed.
• Ensure the nursery self-evaluation is up to date and actions are followed through quickly and effectively.
• Keep our nursery shining – reviewing our daily risk and health and safety checks, you’ll make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
• Coach, guide, and motivate your team through regular feedback and professional development.
• Support with staffing and operations – from interviews and rotas to helping in rooms when needed.
• Champion continuous improvement, keeping practice fresh, creative, and Outstandingly Outstanding.
• Bring positivity, flexibility, and passion to everything you do, helping N Family go beyond every single day.

Our Assistant Deputy Managers should have...

• Previous experience in a nursery leadership position (ideally as a Room Manager, Third in Charge, or Deputy Manager).
• Knowledge of local authority and regulatory requirements and inspection processes across the UK (desirable).
• Some experience in managing budgets, including capacity and team deployment, management of performance, and reporting metrics (desirable).
• A background in leading consistent and exceptional customer service.
• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Paediatric First Aid (12 hours), First Aid at Work, and a commitment to remain compliant.
• Relevant safeguarding/child protection training and be willing to update that training regularly.
• A genuine passion for education and changing the lives of children.
• Able to communicate with parents, external professionals, colleagues, and children effectively.

The N Advantage package

• Competitive salary – £33,717 - £35,131 per annum
• Performance bonus – Up to £1,200 annually.
• Flexible working – Choose 4-5 days a week for a work-life balance that suits
• you.
• Industry-leading holiday allowance – Up to 35 days, including a personal
• ‘Me’ day and Christmas closure.
• Development fund – £100 annual learning fund, plus paid N Academy
• training (level 3, EY Degrees, Forest School & more).
• No uniforms – £100 clothing allowance for style freedom!
• Family-friendly – Enhanced parental/fostering/neonatal leave after 2 years.
• Childcare – 40% discount, plus 6 emergency days annually.

And that’s not all!

• Loyalty rewards – 5-year bonus: around-the-world trip + 2 bonus weeks off. 10-year bonus: “Out of this world” experience + 2 more weeks off!
• N Coaching & Mentoring – Empowering team members with access to 3 ILM-approved coaching programmes.
• Referral scheme – Earn up to £1000 per successful hire.
• Amazing discounts – Save on groceries, shopping, fitness, and more.
• Travel support – Season ticket loans and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Socials & Wellbeing – Annual parties, team events, gym discounts, and online fitness.
• And much, much more!

Why N East Dulwich?

Step into our beautifully restored, Grade II-listed nursery in East Dulwich—an inspiring 181-place nursery designed for learning and exploration.

Getting here is a breeze! We’re a short stroll from East Dulwich station, with well connected local transport links.

Why N Family Club?

At N Family Club, we’re reimagining early years education – and we want you to be a part of it. We’re a certified Great Place to Work and one of the UK’s most innovative early years groups. With top salaries, unmatched benefits, and real career progression, we put our people first.

Join us today to spark big ideas in young minds and shape a career you’ll love.

What's next?

If you think you got what it takes, click apply and fill in our super quick (1 min) application form!

If you want to read more about N, our benefits and work culture, visit our Careers website or our Glassdoor Page.