Deputy Manager – Early Years (EYFS): Sponsorship Available

Overview

Barleymont Fairlop Montessori Nursery, part of the Barleymont Group, is a well-established Early Years setting in London, delivering high-quality, child-centred education for children from birth to five. Our practice is firmly rooted in the EYFS statutory framework and enriched by Montessori principles, supporting independence, curiosity, and purposeful learning.

We are seeking a confident and committed Deputy Manager to support leadership, quality of education, safeguarding, and daily operations.

Skilled Worker sponsorship licence is available for deserving and suitable candidates, subject to eligibility and role requirements.

Role

To support the Nursery Manager in providing effective leadership and management, ensuring quality of education, safeguarding, and welfare requirements are consistently met, while embedding Montessori-inspired, child-centred practice aligned with Ofsted expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day leadership and operational management of the setting
• Lead and model high-quality EYFS practice, ensuring children make good progress from their starting points
• Embed Montessori principles such as independence, choice, concentration, and respect for the child within EYFS delivery
• Supervise, mentor, and support Early Years Educators and room leaders
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when required, maintaining a strong culture of vigilance
• Ensure safeguarding, welfare, health & safety, and staff-to-child ratios are consistently maintained
• Support curriculum planning, observations, assessments, and next-step learning
• Monitor children’s development and support early identification of additional needs and inclusive practice
• Build positive partnerships with parents and work collaboratively with external professionals
• Support Ofsted readiness, self-evaluation, and quality improvement planning
• Take responsibility for the setting in the Manager’s absence

Qualifications & Requirements

• NVQ Level 3 in Early Years / Childcare or equivalent (minimum)
• EYFS Level 3 or above qualification
• Montessori qualification (Level 3, Diploma, or higher) – desirable
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Years / Early Childhood Education – desirable
• Experience in a senior or leadership role within an Early Years setting
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework, safeguarding, and Ofsted inspection requirements
• Legal right to work in the UK
• Graduate Route (Post-Study Work) visa holders welcome
• Skilled Worker sponsorship available for suitable and eligible candidates

Skills & Attributes

• Confident, calm leader who models professional practice
• Strong understanding of child development and learning through play
• Ability to blend EYFS statutory requirements with Montessori-inspired practice
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Organised, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement
• Strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and children’s well-being

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Childcare
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Sabbatical
• Sick pay
• Transport links
• UK visa sponsorship