Nursery Deputy Manager

BHUK Bright Horizons Family Solutions Limited UK

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Poole Dorset BH14 9LY Until 9/26/2026 First posted July 28, 2026 Last posted July 28, 2026
Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Poole Montessori Day Nursery and Pre School

Salary – Starting from £32,513 to £42,439 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Poole

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for a Deputy Manager to join our Poole nursery.

Our Benefits

  • Childcare discount of 75% for first child*
  • Competitive bonus of up to £1,500, awarded in line with Ofsted inspection outcomes
  • Enhanced parental leave
  • 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
  • Pension
  • Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
  • Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As a Deputy Manager, you will lead, mentor, support, and inspire a team to deliver exception care and education. You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing day to day running of the nursery and management of safeguarding and child protection policies. You will contribute to succession planning, training, and supporting team professional development plans, maintain strong partnerships with colleagues, parents, and other professionals (such as the Local Authority), and support the commercial success of the nursery through retention, occupancy growth, and maintaining budgets.

What we’re looking for

  • Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
  • Experience within an Early Years leadership role (ideally as a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, Third in Charge or similar)
  • Experience of participating with a regulatory inspection, leading to a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ outcome
  • Confident decision maker, with previous experience providing support and leadership to others
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children
  • Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers
  • Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. 

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application.

INDSH

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.


We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.


Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!


We look forward to receiving your application!

About this role

Summary

Lead nursery team, oversee safeguarding, support development, contribute to nursery success

Job title

Nursery Deputy Manager

Experience level

leadership role

Industry

childcare

Location requirements

Poole, UK; on-site work only

Salary

£33k–£42k

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

level 3 early years qualificationearly years leadershipsafeguardingchild protectioncommunication

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

safeguardingchild protectionleadershipearly years
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Poole, UK

On-site City