Nursery Deputy Manager

Tops Day Nurseries; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 17,866 - 25,445; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount up to 60%

Blue Light Card & Each Person perks

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is seeking a Nursery Deputy Manager for a temporary mat cover in Portsmouth. The role supports the Nursery Manager to ensure a safe, stimulating early years environment and smooth daily operations across the setting.

The successful candidate will have a Level 3 Early Years qualification, leadership experience, and a strong understanding of EYFS. You will lead staff, engage with families and uphold safeguarding standards during a busy period.

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a childcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted regulations.
• Proven experience managing teams and working closely with parents.

Responsibilities

• Oversee unit operations and assist the Nursery Manager in daily running of the setting.
• Provide age-appropriate activities and resources aligned with development needs.
• Communicate with parents regarding fees and care quality; manage invoicing and reporting on targets.
• Support staff training and development, mentoring and coaching as needed.
• Cover and manage the nursery in the Manager’s absence and uphold safeguarding.

Skills

Leadership experience

EYFS knowledge

Team management

Communication with Parents

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Nursery Deputy Manager Mat cover

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom Hampshire

Job type: Full Time Temporary

Salary: £15.72 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 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 Lakeside Nursery is a 61‑place eco‑friendly day nursery and preschool in Cosham, Portsmouth, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to pre‑school. Our newly built, open‑plan setting offers bright, natural learning spaces, including an extended cabin classroom to support our growing pre‑school. We provide a warm, friendly environment where children are encouraged to explore, play and learn through a broad, child‑led curriculum that supports independence, language and social development.

Outdoors, children enjoy mud kitchens, nature‑based play and hands‑on exploration, while indoors they take part in activities such as cooking, yoga, Boogie Mites and storytelling, helping them grow in confidence and curiosity.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• 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 and 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 in accordance with external organisations’ requirements.
• Communicate with parents to ensure that all fees are paid and that parents are satisfied with the care provided. Knowledge of operating 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 manage the setting in the Manager’s absence.
• Be committed to the safeguarding of all children in the nursery.

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.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries