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- Tasks: Support the Nursery Manager in daily operations and ensure a safe, stimulating environment for children.
- Company: Tops Day Nurseries is a leading childcare provider in South England, committed to sustainability and employee well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy a ÂŁ700 welcome bonus, flexible hours, 28 days holiday, and free meals!
- Why this job: Join a certified World’s Happiest Workplace with opportunities for career growth and a positive culture.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and experience in leadership roles are required.
- Other info: Be part of an employee-owned company with profit-sharing bonuses and a commitment to diversity.
NURSERY DEPUTY MANAGER
Location: Tops Parkstone, Poole, Dorset
Salary: Up to ÂŁ 15.70 per hour
Contract: 40 hours per week
“Staff well-being is valued and nurtured. The provider offers staff opportunities to celebrate their achievements and contributions. These include staff nominations on the \’Each Person Scheme\’ and special award nights to recognise both individual and nursery achievements.”- OFSTED recent feedback
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:
£700 Welcome Bonus: We’re excited to have you join us and want to start things off with a warm welcome!
Relocation Package: Receive up to ÂŁ3000 to help make your move as smooth as possible.
Annual Bonus Scheme: As an Employee-Owned Company, you’ll share in our success. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.
Childcare Discount: Enjoy up to 60% off childcare within Tops Day Nurseries, making it easier for you to balance work and family life.
Flexible Working Options: Make the Most of Your Time Off with Compressed Hours. By working compressed hours, you could gain up to 48 extra days off per year. Alternatively, if you work nine days over a two-week period, you’ll receive up to 24 additional days off annually. And that’s in addition to your standard holiday allowance!
Proud to be a World’s Happiest Workplace: Tops Day Nurseries has been officially certified as a World’s Happiest Workplace for 2025, recognising our commitment to employee well-being, career growth, and a positive workplace culture.
Holiday Allowance: We all need time to rest, reset and enjoy the moments that matter most. That’s why you’ll receive 28 days of annual leave each year to relax and spend time doing what you love.
And because we know how important it is to look after you, you’ll also receive 2 extra days:
- One to celebrate your birthday – or another day that’s special to you
- And a Wellbeing Day, just for you, to take a pause, recharge, and focus on what makes you feel good.
That’s a total of 30 days off each year – because you deserve it.
Free meals: Our nurseries are proud to provide free breakfast to our colleagues as part of our commitment to supporting your well-being. Enjoy freshly prepared meals each day, ensuring you\’re energized and ready to provide the best care and education for the children we nurture.
Employee Recognition: Access to the Blue Light Card, offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.
Employee Recognition Platform: Access our reward and recognition platform, Each Person, for Gym discounts, Cycle2Work benefits, GP on demand, Cinema deals, Diesel Savings Card, and cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers. We also use Each person to celebrate employee of the month!
Health and Wellbeing Support: We’ve got you covered with NHS Prescription Charges, Optical Care, and Dental Treatment.
Career Development: We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement.
Travel and Parking Season Ticket loan: Borrow up to ÂŁ500 interest-free and spread the expense easily, whether for public transport or parking.
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 Parkstone Nursery is a 56 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Parkstone, Poole. The nursery run several extra-curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, tooth brushing, football fun and much more!
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
Why Tops Day Nurseries?
We are a leading early education and childcare provider in South England, established in 1990. We promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility by educating today’s children to influence future generations. We value respect, open communication, and teamwork, fostering a positive, purpose-driven work environment.
As an Employee-Owned Company, our colleagues are co-owners, benefiting from the company’s growth through annual profit-sharing bonuses. We\’re also proud to rank 9th in the 2024 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK, offering career development from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships to Nursery Manager or Early Years Teacher.
Exciting? We think so! Your journey starts here, so take the first step to become part of Tops Team by clicking apply!
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks. This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Childrens’ Barred List.
TOPST1
Vacancy Reference: NN/2407
Posted via: eyrecruit
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Deputy Manager employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific values and culture of Tops Day Nurseries. Understanding their commitment to staff well-being and employee recognition can help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how you fit into their positive workplace environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in managing teams or working closely with parents. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully supported staff development or improved parent communication in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the EYFS and Ofsted regulations thoroughly. Being able to speak confidently about these frameworks during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to providing high-quality care and education.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions that show your interest in the nursery's extra-curricular activities and how you can contribute to them. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also your willingness to engage with the children in diverse ways.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in early years education and any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted regulations, as these are crucial for the Deputy Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early childhood education and your commitment to staff well-being and development. Mention specific examples of how you've supported teams in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your Level 3 Early Years Qualification and any additional certifications or training that relate to the role. This will demonstrate your suitability for the position right from the start.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with parents and managed team dynamics. Strong communication is key in this role, so make it a focal point in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to their development. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams, mentoring staff, and how you handle challenges within a nursery setting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with EYFS and Ofsted Regulations
Brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Ofsted regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain high standards in a nursery environment.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the nursery's culture, staff development opportunities, and how they support employee well-being. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
