East Sussex County Council
Deputy Nursery Manager (Heron Park Primary Academy)

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Deputy Nursery Manager (Heron Park Primary Academy)
Deputy Nursery Manager – Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Heron Park Primary Academy (part of the Aurora Academies Trust)
Job Overview
Hours: 37.5 (Full-time, term-time only) Location: Dallington Road, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex – BN22 9EE Salary: Pro rata to permanent equivalent Closing Date: Monday 06 July 2026
Heron Park Primary Academy is seeking a dynamic, experienced & enthusiastic Deputy Nursery Manager to provide expert support to our Early Years Team. This role is a full-time position (8:00am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday, term-time only) in a nurturing and forward-thinking academy.
About the Role
- Play a key operational role in managing the nursery, supporting staff, and maintaining a safe, stimulating, and child-centred learning environment for children aged 2–4.
- Work collaboratively under the leadership of the Nursery Manager and Senior Leadership Team.
- Ensure all learning experiences are child-led and engaging.
- Lead by example in upholding the academy’s core values: Respect, Curiosity, Independence, Resilience, and Aspiration.
This role sits within the Aurora Academies Trust%, a values-led multi-academy trust committed to driving excellence in educational provision.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- A minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (e.g. Early Years Educator, NVQ Level 3) or equivalent acceptable to government standards.
- Dedicated experience working in early years settings%, demonstrating a passion for children’s development.
- Strong ability to plan and deliver engaging learning experiences that inspire young learners.
- Exceptional communication skills and an understanding of collaborative working.
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
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Desired Qualities
- Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
- Experience in managing a team or supervising staff.
- Proven ability to work creatively, flexibly, and adaptively in a fast-paced setting.
Responsibilities
- Assist in day-to-day nursery management, ensuring administrative tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
- Contribute to safeguarding and child protection governance as required.
- Support staff in delivering high-quality learning environments in line with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements.
- Promote a collaborative team culture and uphold the academy’s shared values.
- Apply proactive approaches in classroom and nursery operations planning to meet Ofsted/national standards.
Requirements
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: Enhanced Disclosure with Regulated Activity status required.
- All employees must comply with Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018%, demonstrating compliance via a pre-employment self-declaration form.
- If disqualified, applicants must apply to Ofsted% for a waiver for application to be considered.


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Benefits
- Work as part of a values-driven, ambitious academy trust% (Aurora) dedicated to improving outcomes for children and staff.
- Access to extensive professional development through the Aurora CPD programme.
- Supportive and respectful school culture focused on personal and professional growth%.
- Benefits of being part of a Collaborative Trust:
- Extended paternity leave, exceeding statutory guidelines.
- Aurora Academies Advantage scheme%, including:
- Confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free and confidential financial, legal, and mental health support.
- Discounted high-street shopping and health/wellbeing initiatives.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
Notes & Important Information
- Heron Park Primary will not accept unsolicited CVs; applications must be submitted via our online recruitment system: SAMPeople Recruit
- (Note: We reserve the right to close the recruitment early if sufficient applicants are received.)
- To arrange a school tour, contact Yvonne Streeter (Office Manager) at office@heronppa.org.uk or 01323 502525.
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