At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Nursery Manager in daily operations and create a safe, stimulating environment for children.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £700 Welcome Bonus, up to 60% childcare discount, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a team recognised as one of the World’s Happiest Workplaces.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 33107 - 33107 € per year.
Location: Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £15.94 Hour (subject to 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 Mini Mariners Nursery is a 36‑place eco‑friendly day nursery and preschool in Taunton, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. Our open‑plan, natural learning environment supports children to explore, play, and develop at their own pace. Our passionate team creates engaging, sensory‑rich activities that encourage imagination and learning through play. We also explore themed learning and a monthly “language of the month,” helping children discover different cultures, countries, and foods from around the world. Activities include cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, football fun, and tooth brushing, supporting a fun, inclusive, and curiosity‑led approach to learning.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
- £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!
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.
- 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 manage the setting in the Manager’s absence.
- 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:
- 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.
Equal Opportunities Employer: At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Nursery Deputy Manager in Somerset employer: Tops Day Nurseries
At Tops Day Nurseries, we pride ourselves on being the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, where every team member is valued and empowered to contribute to our success. Located in Taunton, our eco-friendly nursery offers a supportive work culture with generous benefits, including a £700 Welcome Bonus, up to 60% childcare discount, and health & wellbeing support, all within a vibrant environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating inspiring early years experiences for children while enjoying a fulfilling career in childcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Deputy Manager in Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the nursery's values and practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of providing outstanding early years care. Show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how you've supported teams in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our Tops Day Nurseries family.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Deputy Manager in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a nurturing environment for children and supporting their development.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Deputy Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leadership and working with children, so we can see why you're the perfect fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Tops Day Nurseries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted regulations. Brush up on the latest practices in childcare and be ready to discuss how you can implement them in the nursery setting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Nursery Deputy Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your experience in managing teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team, supported staff development, and handled challenges in previous roles.
✨Engage with Parents
Communication with parents is key in this role. Think of ways you’ve effectively communicated with parents in the past, whether it’s about fees or their child’s progress. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Childcare
Let your passion for early years education shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to creating a safe and stimulating environment for children, and how you encourage learning through play.
