Deputy manager Review
at Bright Horizons
Degree Apprenticeship
Teaching
Esher, UK
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
As a Deputy Manager, I support the day-to-day leadership and smooth running of the nursery, ensuring high‑quality care, safety, and learning outcomes for all children. I work closely with the Nursery Manager to uphold statutory requirements, company policies, and best practice within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
A key part of my role is supporting, guiding, and mentoring staff. I help strengthen team knowledge through training, coaching, peer observations, and reflective practice. I work alongside practitioners across all age groups—babies, toddlers, preschool, and school‑ready children—to support high‑quality interactions, effective observation and assessment, and inclusive practice tailored to each child’s needs.
I play an active role in supporting children’s development and wellbeing, particularly by encouraging independence, confidence, and positive behaviour. I ensure children are given sufficient time to respond during interactions and transitions, helping to build their self‑esteem and communication skills.
Partnership with parents is central to my role. I work closely with families to support smooth transitions into nursery routines, address individual needs, and maintain open, professional communication. I also step into leadership responsibilities when required, supporting daily operations, safeguarding practices, and maintaining a positive, nurturing environment.
Overall, I aim to lead by example, promote a supportive team culture, and ensure every child receives consistent, high‑quality early years experiences.
A key part of my role is supporting, guiding, and mentoring staff. I help strengthen team knowledge through training, coaching, peer observations, and reflective practice. I work alongside practitioners across all age groups—babies, toddlers, preschool, and school‑ready children—to support high‑quality interactions, effective observation and assessment, and inclusive practice tailored to each child’s needs.
I play an active role in supporting children’s development and wellbeing, particularly by encouraging independence, confidence, and positive behaviour. I ensure children are given sufficient time to respond during interactions and transitions, helping to build their self‑esteem and communication skills.
Partnership with parents is central to my role. I work closely with families to support smooth transitions into nursery routines, address individual needs, and maintain open, professional communication. I also step into leadership responsibilities when required, supporting daily operations, safeguarding practices, and maintaining a positive, nurturing environment.
Overall, I aim to lead by example, promote a supportive team culture, and ensure every child receives consistent, high‑quality early years experiences.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am really enjoying completing my apprenticeship because it deepens my understanding of theory and how it directly applies to my everyday practice. The learning helps me make clearer connections between why we do things and how they support children’s development, wellbeing, and learning. By linking theory to real experiences in the setting, I am able to reflect more effectively on my practice, make informed decisions, and continuously improve the quality of care and interactions I provide. This has increased my confidence, strengthened my leadership skills, and supported my professional growth within my role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Through my apprenticeship, I have developed several new skills that have strengthened my practice and leadership ability.
One key skill I have gained is reflective practice. I now regularly reflect on my own practice and the practice of others, considering what works well, what could be improved, and why. This has helped me to make meaningful changes that positively impact children, staff, and overall outcomes, while also supporting continuous professional development.
I have also developed skills in creating PowerPoint presentations, booklets, and posters. These have been used to share information, support staff training, and communicate key messages clearly and professionally. This has improved how I deliver information, made learning more engaging for the team, and supported consistent practice across the setting.
Additionally, the apprenticeship has helped me understand how to be a more effective leader. I have become more confident in leading by example, supporting staff through guidance and feedback, and adapting my leadership style to meet individual and team needs. I now have a stronger understanding of how communication, reflection, and support contribute to building a positive team culture and improving outcomes for children.
Overall, these skills have enhanced my confidence, professionalism, and effectiveness in my Deputy Manager role.
One key skill I have gained is reflective practice. I now regularly reflect on my own practice and the practice of others, considering what works well, what could be improved, and why. This has helped me to make meaningful changes that positively impact children, staff, and overall outcomes, while also supporting continuous professional development.
I have also developed skills in creating PowerPoint presentations, booklets, and posters. These have been used to share information, support staff training, and communicate key messages clearly and professionally. This has improved how I deliver information, made learning more engaging for the team, and supported consistent practice across the setting.
Additionally, the apprenticeship has helped me understand how to be a more effective leader. I have become more confident in leading by example, supporting staff through guidance and feedback, and adapting my leadership style to meet individual and team needs. I now have a stronger understanding of how communication, reflection, and support contribute to building a positive team culture and improving outcomes for children.
Overall, these skills have enhanced my confidence, professionalism, and effectiveness in my Deputy Manager role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme links closely with my current job role and actively extends it. Through the training sessions and lectures, I am gaining deeper knowledge and understanding that I can apply directly to my day‑to‑day practice. This has supported my professional development and strengthened my leadership skills, helping me to become a more confident, reflective, and effective leader within my role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My manager is very supportive and allows time to complete assignments and adapt my role to complete the work
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Through the training programme and outreach support , on campus days and through training and online
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification supports me very well in performing better in my role. The training provider delivers relevant, well‑structured learning that links closely to my day‑to‑day responsibilities. The combination of training, lectures, and practical tasks has helped me strengthen my understanding of early years theory and apply it effectively within my setting.
The course has improved my confidence, reflective practice, and leadership skills, enabling me to support staff more effectively, make informed decisions, and maintain high standards of practice. I am able to directly apply what I learn to real situations, which has enhanced both my professional development and the quality of care and learning experiences provided for children.
Overall, the qualification has had a positive impact on my role by extending my skills, supporting my leadership development, and helping me perform my responsibilities more effectively and confidently.
The course has improved my confidence, reflective practice, and leadership skills, enabling me to support staff more effectively, make informed decisions, and maintain high standards of practice. I am able to directly apply what I learn to real situations, which has enhanced both my professional development and the quality of care and learning experiences provided for children.
Overall, the qualification has had a positive impact on my role by extending my skills, supporting my leadership development, and helping me perform my responsibilities more effectively and confidently.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
As i only attend campus monthly i do not use the campus events but i hear through regular email and updates
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Bright Horizons to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Bright Horizons because it is an organisation that genuinely values high‑quality early years practice, professional development, and staff wellbeing. Bright Horizons provides strong support through training, clear policies, and opportunities for career progression, which enables practitioners to continually develop their skills and confidence.
The focus on reflective practice, continuous learning, and leadership development has helped me grow professionally and apply best practice consistently within my role. There is also a strong emphasis on partnership with families and creating nurturing, inclusive environments where children can thrive. Overall, Bright Horizons offers a supportive, well‑structured workplace that encourages staff to develop, feel valued, and deliver the best outcomes for children.
The focus on reflective practice, continuous learning, and leadership development has helped me grow professionally and apply best practice consistently within my role. There is also a strong emphasis on partnership with families and creating nurturing, inclusive environments where children can thrive. Overall, Bright Horizons offers a supportive, well‑structured workplace that encourages staff to develop, feel valued, and deliver the best outcomes for children.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Bright Horizons?
If you are considering joining Bright Horizons, my advice would be to be open to learning and development. Bright Horizons offers strong training opportunities and clear career pathways, so being motivated, reflective, and willing to grow will help you make the most of what the organisation offers.
Take advantage of the support, training, and guidance available, ask questions, and engage fully with the learning opportunities provided. Bright Horizons values high‑quality practice, teamwork, and strong partnerships with families, so a positive attitude and commitment to putting children first will help you succeed and progress within the organisation.
Take advantage of the support, training, and guidance available, ask questions, and engage fully with the learning opportunities provided. Bright Horizons values high‑quality practice, teamwork, and strong partnerships with families, so a positive attitude and commitment to putting children first will help you succeed and progress within the organisation.
