At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and inspire children while managing nursery operations and staff.
- Company: Join Kiddi Caru Day Nursery, part of Grandir UK, a supportive and child-focused environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and a £500 refer-a-friend bonus.
- Other info: Be part of a certified Great Place to Work with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in early years education.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28288 - 31200 € per year.
Join a supportive, child-focused nursery offering strong benefits, flexible working and genuine career progression. Our Kiddi Caru Day Nursery in Basingstoke is looking for a caring and enthusiastic Deputy Manager to join our team on a 12-month maternity cover basis. You will play a key role in caring for, supporting and inspiring our children, encouraging curiosity and helping them thrive every day.
Why You’ll Love Working at Kiddi Caru Day Nursery Basingstoke?
At Kiddi Caru Day Nursery, you will be part of a welcoming and supportive team who genuinely care about one another. We create a positive working environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to grow.
Core Benefits
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, with 3 days used during the Christmas shutdown period
- Christmas and New Year shutdown
- Flexible working options available
- £500 refer a friend bonus
- Company pension scheme with employer contributions
- Statutory Sick Pay from day 1
- Life assurance for employees aged 18 to 65
- Certified Great Place to Work, voted for by our current colleagues
About Our Nursery
We follow a child-centred approach focused on communication, independence and emotional development. By blending the Hygge and Curiosity approaches, we create a calm, engaging environment where children can explore and develop a love of learning.
Our Location
Based in the Beggarwood and Hatch Warren community, we are close to Beggarwood Park with easy access to local transport links, making drop-offs and pick-ups convenient for families.
Our Team
Our experienced team is passionate about early years care and education. With specialised training, a qualified SENCo, and an in-house chef, we ensure every child is supported, safe, and well-nourished.
Facilities
We offer bright, age-appropriate playrooms and three outdoor garden areas, providing plenty of space for learning, play and physical development.
Activities
Children enjoy a range of activities including yoga, music sessions, and French, all designed to support development through fun, hands-on experiences.
Community Connections
We regularly explore the local area through walks and park visits, and build meaningful relationships with a local care home to encourage social development.
Ofsted
Kiddi Caru Basingstoke was rated Good in its latest Ofsted inspection, with a ‘Good’ judgement across all areas including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
What will you be doing
- Promote high standards of quality within the nursery in respect of the environment, resources and experiences offered to children
- Ensure that all children attending the nursery receive rich and stimulating experiences appropriate to their age and stage of development
- Responsible for all administrative duties associated with the nursery, such as maintaining children’s records, ordering equipment, maintaining inventories, and keeping personnel records
- Facilitate inspections by regulatory bodies and implement any recommendations
- Be responsible for ensuring the nursery remains compliant in respect of suitably trained staff with relevant first aid qualifications
- Agree and deliver occupancy targets
- Recruit, induct, support, train and appraise all staff to ensure delivery of high-quality childcare practice
- Support and supervise playroom staff with their day-to-day duties
- Deploy staff appropriately to ensure that the required standards are delivered and maintained within the rooms
- Ensure the effective implementation of the nursery keycarer procedures and allocate children to keycarers appropriately
- Ensure that practice and provision in the nursery meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Provide professional, relevant feedback to parents/carers about their child
- Promote the nursery to current parents and potential customers
- Develop open and positive working relationships with staff
- Ensure that all staff develop and maintain friendly, professional relationships with parents and carers
Enhanced Family and Wellbeing Benefits
- Maternity and adoption leave paid at 100 percent for the first 12 weeks
- Paternity leave paid at 100 percent for 4 weeks
- Parental bereavement leave up to 4 weeks paid
- Compassionate leave up to 2 weeks paid
- Miscarriage leave up to 2 weeks paid
- Wellbeing Day, an extra day off just for you
- The Grand Event, up to an additional week of annual leave to attend a significant life event after 2 years’ service
Even More Benefits
- Employee benefits portal with hundreds of retail discounts including ASOS, gym memberships, cinema, M and S and major supermarkets
- 24 hour remote GP appointments
- Medical cashback for dental treatment, physiotherapy and alternative therapies
- Recognition, rewards and team celebrations throughout the year, with May dedicated to celebrating our teams
- Tailored in house training and genuine progression opportunities
- Sustainability focus with Carbon Literacy trained teams and Eco Schools accreditation
An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. We are an equal opportunity employer and recruit based on merit.
Deputy Manager (maternity cover) in Hampshire employer: Grandir UK
Kiddi Caru Day Nursery in Basingstoke is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and child-focused environment where employees are valued and encouraged to grow. With generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a commitment to professional development, our team enjoys a positive work culture that prioritises well-being and community connections. Join us to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in early years education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager (maternity cover) in Hampshire
✨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 practising common questions and scenarios specific to early years education. Think about how you can showcase your passion for child development and your experience in managing teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; follow up! After submitting your application through our website, drop a friendly email to express your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your personality! During interviews, let your genuine love for working with children shine through. Share stories that highlight your caring nature and how you’ve positively impacted children’s lives in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager (maternity cover) in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how much you care about nurturing and inspiring children, so share your experiences and what makes you excited about this role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Manager position. Highlight relevant experience, qualifications, and skills that align with our nursery's values and the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to our supportive team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for our nursery.
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Kiddi Caru Day Nursery and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Grandir UK
✨Know the Nursery Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Kiddi Caru Day Nursery. Familiarise yourself with their child-centred approach and the specific activities they offer. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their values.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Early Years Care
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to their development. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to inspire curiosity and support children's emotional growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in the nursery. Think about scenarios related to staff management, compliance with EYFS standards, or engaging with parents. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the nursery's culture, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in being a part of their supportive community.