Join our independent, family-run nursery in Oxfordshire as a Deputy Manager. At Willow Cottage, we provide an exceptional foundation for every child’s future through a deeply nurturing, “extended family” environment. We are looking for a dedicated early years professionals to join our robust leadership team, where you will have the time, support, and resources to mentor staff and ensure our high standards of childcare are met every single day.
Your Role and Leadership
- Robust Support Structure: Benefit from our tiered management system—including a Manager, Deputy, Third in Charge, and Team Leaders—that allows you to confidently oversee daily operations and mentor your team while relying on stable, reliable teams of practitioners.
- Championing Emotional Wellbeing: Lead our Key Person system, using co-regulation to help children navigate their emotions and develop vital self-regulation skills in a safe, secure environment.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Build dependable relationships with parents, valuing them as primary caregivers and actively involving them in their child’s learning journey through transparent communication.
A Nurturing, Well-Resourced Environment
- Connection to Nature: Facilitate daily, all-weather outdoor exploration in our expansive rural Oxfordshire settings, promoting physical discovery and adventure.
- Wholesome Nutrition: Support our commitment to fostering a positive relationship with food through our onsite, home-cooked meals and the empowering “Division of Responsibility” model.
- Sustainable Resources: Work in calming indoor spaces that prioritise natural, wooden, and sustainable toys to actively promote holistic health.
- Climate-Controlled Comfort: Work in thoroughly air-conditioned settings, ensuring that even the toughest hot days are comfortable, calm, and manageable for both you and the children.
Exceptional Working Conditions
- The Four-Day Week Advantage: Enjoy a flexible four-day working week for full-time staff, protecting your work-life balance while providing parents and children with consistent, familiar faces at drop-off and pick-up.
- Competitive Compensation: Receive a highly competitive salary benchmarked generously against top local providers, alongside a comprehensive sign-on bonus.
- Ongoing Career Progression: Benefit from a strong culture of internal career progression, supported by two INSET training days per year.
- Health and Wellbeing Benefits: Enjoy preferential annual leave, your birthday off, and receive annual flu jabs during paid work time to ensure you stay healthy and supported throughout the year.
Role Flexibility: Deputy Manager vs. Deputy Manager – Third in Charge
At Willow Cottage, we offer flexible leadership pathways to suit your career goals and desired level of operational responsibility.
- Deputy Manager: Works a 4-day week entirely focused on carrying out dedicated Deputy Manager duties and operational leadership.
- Deputy Manager – Third in Charge: Works as a Deputy Manager for 1.5 days a week, and spends the remaining 2.5 days working directly in the room with the children.
Current Job Opportunities
To explore our active vacancies and take the next step in your early years career, please visit our jobs board for full details on all current job opportunities: https://willow-cottage.com/jobs
| Willow Cottage Nurseries are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants need to go through our thorough Safer Recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer. |
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