At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a fantastic team and lead in delivering an engaging curriculum for young children.
- Company: Heath House Day Nursery, a family-run nursery with a warm community feel.
- Benefits: Flexible rota, discounted childcare, private GP access, and unlimited professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in early years.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in Childcare and proven experience in a senior nursery role.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with mental health first aid trained management.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Heath House Day Nursery in Fleet is looking for an experienced, hands-on Deputy Manager to join our warm, family-run flagship nursery.
Heath House has been part of the community since 2009 and is proudly rated Good by Ofsted. We care for up to 110 children aged 3 months to 4 years in a friendly, homely setting located conveniently between Fleet High Street and Fleet Station.
A rare opportunity, we’re looking for a passionate and confident Deputy Manager to support the Nursery Manager in leading our exceptional team and ensuring our children receive the very best start in life. You’ll play a key role in the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery — working alongside the Manager and our dedicated leadership team to deliver an engaging, challenging and fun curriculum that puts the children and team at the heart of all you do. You’ll be supported by a long-standing, highly qualified staff team and a family-run management group who truly care about seeing you grow and develop in your career.
You Will:
- Support the Manager in leading and inspiring a team of 30+ early years professionals, including apprentices, qualified teachers, and support staff.
- Take shared responsibility for daily operations, staffing, occupancy, and parent partnerships.
- Ensure compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and health & safety standards.
- Champion inclusion and equality to ensure the best outcomes for all children.
- Act as the Manager’s deputy in their absence, ensuring continuity and excellence at all times.
- Support and develop your team through mentoring, training, and supervisions.
- Build positive, lasting relationships with parents and carers — including leading show-rounds and supporting families through registration and settling-in.
- Step into ratio when needed and lead by example. Although the role is primarily supernumerary, you’ll embrace the hands-on nature of nursery life.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum Level 3 in Childcare
- GCSE or Level 2 in Functional Skills Maths.
- Proven experience in a senior or room leader role within a nursery setting (previous Deputy or Acting Manager experience desirable).
- Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and current childcare legislation.
- Up-to-date Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding training.
- A proactive, caring, and can-do attitude with a passion for early years.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Flexible rota
- Discounted childcare for your own little ones.
- 24/7 private GP access, including online appointments & prescription delivery.
- High street discounts and gym membership through our employee benefits platform.
- Confidential counselling & wellbeing support whenever you need it.
- Paid day off for your birthday!
- Book holidays up to 18 months ahead.
- Employee of the Month, end-of-year awards & Christmas party.
- Unlimited professional development & progression opportunities.
- Free uniform & paid DBS.
- Employee referral bonuses & 3% pension contribution.
- Supportive, Mental Health First Aid trained management team.
This is a wonderful opportunity to take the next step in your early years career — supporting an experienced Manager, inspiring your team, and making a lasting difference to children’s lives.
It all starts with a click: Apply now for an initial chat — then come and visit our lovely nursery to see if Heath House could be your next happy place to grow your career!
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate: Fleet GU51: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s): Please state the title and level of your highest childcare qualification. When would you be available to start from? Are you able to work 41 hours over 4.5 days?
Experience: Management: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Nursery Deputy Manager in Fleet employer: Heath House Day Nursery
Contact Detail:
Heath House Day Nursery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Deputy Manager in Fleet
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery before your interview! Check out their Instagram and website to understand their vibe and values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some questions to ask during your chat. This shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about how you can contribute to the team and the children’s development.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your hands-on experiences in early years settings. Talk about specific situations where you’ve led a team or made a positive impact on children’s lives — this is what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you message can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Deputy Manager in Fleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for early years shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives and supporting a fantastic team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leadership and childcare, so we can see how you fit into our warm, family-run nursery.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured information that showcases your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
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 Heath House Day Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heath House Day Nursery
✨Know Your Nursery
Before the interview, take some time to research Heath House Day Nursery. Familiarise yourself with their values, curriculum, and community involvement. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll be leading a team of early years professionals. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or inspired others. Highlight your leadership style and how it can benefit the nursery.
✨Understand EYFS and Safeguarding
Brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and safeguarding regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and promote a safe environment for children. This demonstrates your commitment to high standards in childcare.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to inclusion, staff development opportunities, and how they support their team. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in being part of their community.