Nursery Deputy Manager

Tops Day Nurseries; Poole; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Poole is looking for a Nursery Deputy Manager to support the Nursery Manager in overseeing daily operations. The role involves ensuring a safe and educational environment, managing a team, and communicating effectively with parents. A Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required, along with leadership experience. Benefits include a welcome bonus, childcare discounts, and a generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

£700 Welcome Bonus

Relocation support of up to £3,000

Up to 60% childcare discount

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

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 and activities for all children.
• Communicate with parents regarding fees and satisfaction.
• Support staff in their training and development.
• Manage the setting in the manager's absence.
• Commit to safeguarding all children.

Skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of EYFS

Team management

Communication with parents

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Overview

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 the nursery provides a safe, stimulating, and educational environment for children.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a unit and assist specialists in the nursery, such as Behaviour management representatives, SENCo, H&S rep, Equal opportunities etc.
• Ensure suitable opportunities, activities, and resources are provided for all children relevant to their age/stage and development needs to the requirements of external organisations.
• Communicate with parents to ensure all fees are paid and that parents are satisfied with the provision of care. Operate a fees system including invoicing, collecting money, banking and reporting on financial targets.
• Ensure all staff are supported in their training and development and their job satisfaction. Mentor and coach staff appropriately.
• Support the Nursery Manager and manage the setting in the manager's absence.
• Commit to safeguarding all children in the nursery and your direct care. 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; be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children's Barred List; successfully complete background and reference checks.

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.

Company

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

At Tops Day Nurseries, we've been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK's largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee: you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. We offer opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, and are always looking for passionate individuals to join us. We're proud to be recognised as a World's Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

Tops Poole Nursery is a 132 place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Poole. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including before and after school clubs, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, tooth brushing, football fun and much more!

Benefits

• £700 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey with us.
• Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply). Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative.
• 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 a birthday off & a wellbeing day!