There is not enough to do in my job role

[newmumma2000]

Hello! I have a new job role as deputy manager of a nursery and I am a qualified primary school teacher of 5 years. I have been in the role a few months, however I am not finding it mentally stimulating or challenging. The role is completely office based, I have no ownership or responsibility of any tasks that is soley mine to manage, I continously have to ask the manager what I should do as I find myself with time to kill. Some of the tasks I am asked to do are check policies, complete admin, input contact details etc. I have done all the training, read all of the policies but I am so bored in the role. Yes, there are times in the ten hour day where I am busy but I feel like I am basically filling in the gaps where they pop up. This is full time position, and there is an owner, manager and senior lead who are all hands on but office based too. I struggle to see how long term it is worth me working full time, but I also don't want to cut down the hours as I would loose money.

From my research, I have seen that other DM of nurseries are also room leads, sencos etc but all of these responsibilities are already spoken for in my nursery. What do I do? I love the setting, the people etc but I am not being stimulated or challenged. The owner is really approachable but I am nervous as I don't want to loose my job. I am not really sure what I am asking, but I just need to share my feelings. I am lucky to be employed and there are so many benefits but I can't ignore the lack of stimulation or challenge the role is missing.

Move jobs?

Once you have been there a while approach the owner / manager and tell them you’d like to do more, what would be a good next step in terms of responsibilities or training?

Would they let you chip in with helping in the nursery with playing with the children?

Not helpful for you, but it sounds like a nicely staff filled nursery! Our deputy manager usually has to work in the room a couple of times a week, even the manager does.

Ask to do extra training or an OU qualification.

You need another job. Another nursery, same role but with the extra responsibilities will do.
I was wondering how could you possibly have a second to yourself in a nursery? But I see is an office role.
Do you or can you get involved in the learning activities for the little ones? That is so fun! And so much you can change. All the drawings, play settings, letters and numbers, songs, dances....

I think as Early Years teachers we get used to being hyper-busy so it is a shock to realise how little 'work' some people do for the same money! Only you can decide if you will be able to adapt or if you need to get a job where things are more intense.

Can't you arrange some community based project to do within the nursery ?

If not, just move nurseries. Most are in dire need of extra help in the rooms.

I would ask to spend some time 'on the floor'. Maybe you could research a program to introduce to the children - yoga, forest school, dance or similar - and that could be your responsibility?

Find a new nursery. Im a deputy manager and don't have a moment to breathe in my day.
I'm 100% office based, but do cover for the odd hour here and there.
Along with rotas, new enquiries, general admin, I am senco, which takes a lot of time, in charge of training, apprentices, heavily involved in recruitment, supervisions, room observations and much more.
There are many jobs in nurseries where you won't get bored.