Nursery Deputy Manager

Tops Day Nurseries; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd. is seeking a Nursery Deputy Manager to support daily operations at our Taunton nursery. You will oversee the unit, work with specialists, ensure a safe, stimulating environment, and uphold high standards of care.

You will lead staff, coordinate activities, and liaise with parents on care provision, payments, and outcomes. A Level 3 Early Years qualification and leadership experience are essential, with safeguarding at the core of your role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification.
• 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 specialists in the nursery.
• Ensure suitable opportunities, activities and resources for children.
• Communicate with parents about fees and satisfaction; manage invoicing, banking and reporting on financial targets.
• Support staff training and development; mentor/coached colleagues.
• Support the Nursery Manager in their absence and uphold safeguarding of all children.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted regulations

Team management

Parent communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Nursery Deputy Manager

Location: Taunton, Somerset, United KingdomSomerset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £15.94 Hour (depend on qualification)

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week (between the hours of 7.30am and 6.30pm)

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 Mini Mariners Nursery is a 36-place eco-friendly day nursery and preschool in Taunton, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. Our open-plan, natural learning environment supports children to explore, play, and develop at their own pace. Our passionate team creates engaging, sensory-rich activities that encourage imagination and learning through play. We also explore themed learning and a monthly “language of the month,” helping children discover different cultures, countries, and foods from around the world. Activities includes cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, football fun, and tooth brushing, supporting a fun, inclusive, and curiosity-led approach to learning.

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.