Nursery Deputy Manager

Tops Day Nurseries; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 27,558 - 33,682; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 60% childcare discount

Blue Light Card & Each Person perks

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is hiring a Nursery Deputy Manager to support the Nursery Manager in daily operations of a 96-place setting in Gillingham. You will help provide a safe, stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to school age, and lead in the absence of the Manager.

The role requires a Level 3 Early Years Qualification, leadership experience, and strong EYFS/Ofsted knowledge. DBS checks and safeguarding are essential, with a focus on staff development and partnership with parents.

Qualifications

• Required 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 nursery unit and support specialists in the setting.
• Ensure age-appropriate opportunities, activities and resources for children.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted regulations

Team management

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Gillingham, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £14.72 Hour (depend on qualification)

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 Gillingham Nursery is a 96-place day nursery and preschool providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. We offer a safe, caring, and inspiring environment where children feel valued and supported by our long‑standing, dedicated team. Our purposefully designed learning spaces encourage imagination and exploration through open-ended play and sensory-rich experiences. Children benefit from a large enclosed garden with a bug hotel, beach area, and rowing boat, as well as regular access to local parks, countryside walks, and community outings.

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.