Internal- Nursery Deputy Manager

Tops Day Nurseries; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops

Blue Light Card & Each Person platform

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Bournemouth Nursery, part of Tops Day Nurseries Ltd., is seeking an Internal- Nursery Deputy Manager. Based in Bournemouth, this full-time role carries a 40-hour week and a salary of £15.30 per hour.

You will support daily operations, uphold safeguarding, and drive high-quality learning experiences for children aged 0-5. The successful candidate will have leadership experience, a Level 3 Early Years qualification, and a strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted regulations
• Proven experience managing teams and working closely with parents

Responsibilities

• Oversee a unit and assist the Nursery Manager in daily operations.
• Provide suitable opportunities, activities and resources for children relevant to age and development.
• Communicate with parents regarding fees, invoicing and financial targets.
• Support staff training, development and mentoring; ensure staff morale and supervision.
• Assist in managing the nursery in the Manager's absence.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities for all children in the setting.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted regulations

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Internal- Nursery Deputy Manager

Location:Bournemouth, Dorset, United KingdomDorset

Job type: Full TimePermanent

Salary:£15.30 Hour

Contracted Hours:40 hours per week

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future.

With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.

Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.

About the Role

A Nursery Deputy Manager plays a key role in supporting the Nursery Manager to oversee the daily operations of a nursery or childcare setting. They ensure that the nursery provides a safe, stimulating, and educational environment for children.

About the Nursery

Tops Bournemouth Nursery is a 131-place day nursery and preschool based at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. Inspired by Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian approaches, we create beautiful, open-ended learning environments that encourage imagination, creativity, and critical thinking. As one of the largest nurseries within Tops Day Nurseries, we have supported thousands of families through nurturing, play-based learning and strong key worker relationships. Children enjoy a wide range of activities including Forest School, cooking, yoga, Boogie Mites, meditation, football fun, and more, helping them grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

What does the role involve?

• Responsible for overseeing a unit and assisting specialists in the nursery, such as Behaviour management representatives, SENCo, H&S rep, Equal opportunities etc.
• Ensure that suitable opportunities, activities and resources are provided for all the children relevant to their age/stage and development needs to the requirements of external organisations.
• Communicate with parents to ensure that all fees are paid and that parents are satisfied with the provision of care provided. You will also know how to operate a fees system including invoicing, collecting money, banking and reporting on financial targets.
• Ensure that all staff are supported in their training and development and their job satisfaction. Ensure that all staff are mentored /coached appropriately.
• Support the Nursery Manager and to manage the setting in Managers absence
• To be committed to the safeguarding of all children in the nursery and your direct care

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted regulations
• Proven experience managing teams and working closely with parents

Important Safeguarding Information

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.