Nursery Deputy Manager (Internal Only)

Tops Day Nurseries; Torquay; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Health & wellbeing

Holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is seeking a Nursery Deputy Manager in Torquay to help oversee daily operations and ensure a safe, stimulating environment for young children.

You will work with the Nursery Manager, support staff, and engage with parents while upholding EYFS and Ofsted standards. The role offers full-time permanent hours and a competitive hourly salary dependent on qualifications.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Overseeing a nursery unit and assisting specialists.
• Provide opportunities, activities and resources aligned to age and development needs.
• Communicate with parents about fees and care provisions and manage invoicing/reporting.
• Support staff training and development and provide coaching.
• Assist Nursery Manager in absence and ensure safeguarding of children.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team management

Communication with parents

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Torquay, Devon, United Kingdom Devon

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £14.52 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 Babbacombe Nursery is a 50-place day nursery and preschool in Torquay, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. The nursery offers beautiful, natural learning environments, free-flow access to a large outdoor garden, and enriching activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, meditation, and Boogie Mites. Upstairs in the baby & toddler room filled with natural resources for children to explore. Downstairs is the preschool room filed with activity books and crafts. Children also enjoy regular outdoor adventures along the nearby coastline and meaningful community experiences through weekly visits to a local care home as part of the Joining Generations programme.

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.