Nursery Trainee Manager in Christchurch

Location: Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £15.30 Hour

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

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.

Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and looking for a fresh new challenge?

As a Nursery Trainee Manager, you will support the day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children. This role is designed for individuals aspiring to develop management skills within a childcare setting. You will work closely with the Nursery Manager and staff to promote high standards of care and education.

Tops Christchurch Nursery is a 77-place day nursery and preschool located in the beautifully renovated Priory Hall in the heart of Christchurch. We provide Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool, with a custom-designed garden and a rich programme including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, Boogie Mites, and more. Children enjoy regular local outings to Priory, nearby parks, and the waterfront, encouraging curiosity and a love of the outdoors. Our play-based approach supports confident, independent learners in a happy, nurturing environment, working in close partnership with families.

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!

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website:

• Support daily operations, ensuring health, safety, and regulatory compliance
• Assist in training, mentoring, and guiding staff to deliver quality childcare
• Monitor children's development and implement educational activities
• Build strong relationships with parents, addressing concerns and promoting events
• Help with admin tasks like attendance, incident reports, and budgeting
• Support policy implementation and ensure staff and parent adherence
• Maintain a safe, hygienic environment with regular checks and upkeep
• Collaborate with the team to improve care and education quality

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures

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.

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries