Deputy Nursery Manager
University of Bradford
At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last two years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Safeguarding
The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.
Directorate
Part of the Directorate of People and Culture, the University of Bradford Nursery has supported students, staff and local families since 1992. Awarded our second consecutive Outstanding Ofsted judgement in 2026, we provide nurturing, inclusive early education. The University’s values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion underpin our commitment to children’s wellbeing, strong family partnerships and high-quality practice.
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/ experience
· 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.
Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can support you.
At the University of Bradford, we recognise and embrace people that work in diverse ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.
In Return we Offer
· 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
· Family-friendly policies
· Great campus facilities including
- · Unique fitness centre
- · Eye clinic
- · Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
- · Counselling & mental health services
- · On site nursery
- · Food & drink outlets
- · Generous employer contribution pension schemes - https://www.wypf.org.uk
- · Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts
- Find more information about the many other benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes and campus nursery.
Additional Information
If you would like to find out more or are interested in applying, please message, email or call Rochelle Smith, Nursery Manager on 01274 234866 or R.Higginbotham@bradford.ac.uk, we would love to hear from you.
Please complete the application form and upload a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words). Use brief examples to show how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
