Nursery World - Second thoughts

Being deputy manager of a nursery can be a tricky job to fill, but a manager who appreciates its unique challenges can lend much-needed support, as Mary Evans explains Diplomat, chameleon, facilitator, motivator are all descriptions of one of the toughest jobs in early years: deputy manager of a setting. The position involves bridging the gap between the staff and the management and not everyone has the skills or personality to walk the tightrope between the two with ease.

Diplomat, chameleon, facilitator, motivator are all descriptions of one of the toughest jobs in early years: deputy manager of a setting. The position involves bridging the gap between the staff and the management and not everyone has the skills or personality to walk the tightrope between the two with ease.

'Being a deputy is one of the toughest jobs,' says Calvin Hanks, managing director of Acorn Training, which runs a three-day course entitled The Effective Deputy Manager. 'As deputy manger, you are neither the big boss nor part of the team. I have been there myself, and it is hard.'

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