Nursery Deputy Manager (MAT Cover)

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd; Taunton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider is looking for a Nursery Deputy Manager to support daily operations and ensure a safe, nurturing environment for children. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 Early Years Qualification, leadership experience, and a strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted regulations. This role offers competitive pay, a £700 welcome bonus, and various employee benefits including childcare discounts and health support.

Benefits

£700 Welcome Bonus

Up to £3,000 relocation support

Up to 60% childcare discount

Exclusive discounts via Blue Light Card

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification required.
• 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.
• Provide suitable opportunities and resources for all children.
• Communicate with parents to ensure satisfaction.
• Support staff training and development.
• Manage the nursery in the Manager’s absence.
• Commit to safeguarding all children.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Knowledge of EYFS

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Nursery Deputy Manager (MAT Cover) role at Tops Day Nurseries

Base pay range

• Location: Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom
• Job type: Full Time Permanent
• Salary: £15.44 per hour
• Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

This range is provided by Tops Day Nurseries. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

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. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we 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).

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 Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Mini Mariners, Taunton. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including Cooking school, Boogie Mites, Yoga, Toothbrushing, 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 your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

Responsibilities

• Oversee a unit and assist 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 children relevant to their age/stage and developmental needs in line with external organisations’ requirements.
• Communicate with parents to ensure all fees are paid and 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/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.

Qualifications

• 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

• 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.

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.