Deputy Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover) in Fareham

Join Our Team as a Deputy Nursery Manager covering Maternity Leave for 12 months.

Ready to help children grow and your team grow with them?

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing -little humans and big humans alike. As Deputy Nursery Manager at Manor Lodge, you’ll support your Nursery Manager to create a community where children feel safe and can grow, families feel connected, and colleagues feel valued.

You’ll have space to share your experience, grow your own confidence as a leader, and help others discover what they’re capable of.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Welcome Bonus:£750 welcome bonus

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.

• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.

• Space to grow:Access toThe National College, with a libraryof courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.

• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.

• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.

• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay:up to £33,238per annum, based on experience.

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday.

Location

Good Manors Day Nursery Manor Lodge
3 Church Path
Fareham
Hampshire
PO16 7DT

Where You'll Be Working

The Good Manors Day Nursery Manor Lodge team is proud to be an Outstanding Ofsted-rated provision, where children receive excellent care and flourish in a setting unlike any other. The unique setting of our carefully converted grade 2 listed building is often the starting point of many adventures to local points of interest. There is also an area for the children to explore the world around them, with a bug hotel and a vegetable patch. The outside space also houses a space we call “The Lodge Pod”, where children can continue their learning with activities such as mark-making and arts and crafts. The nursery is located on Church Path in the centre of Fareham, alongside the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. We are conveniently located just off the A27, making the nursery easily accessible. Parking is available to the rear of the nursery building, in the public car park.

What You'll Be Doing

Working alongside your Nursery Manager, you’ll help lead the nursery’s day-to-day life while staying closely involved in the care and learning within your base room.

One moment you might be supporting a colleague to bring a new activity to life. The next, you could be talking with a parent about their child’s progress or helping your team work through a challenge.

You’ll lead with care, curiosity, and a willingness to get involved. Your role will include:

• Supporting and mentoring colleagues, helping them build confidence and deliver thoughtful, high-quality care and education

• Working with the Nursery Manager to keep the nursery running smoothly, taking responsibility in their absence

• Guiding the team’s delivery of the EYFS through play and learning that reflect each child’s interests, strengths, and needs

• Building trusting relationships with families and working with external professionals to support children’s development

• Keeping safeguarding, safety, and children’s wellbeing at the heart of everyday decisions

• Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child, family, and colleague feels they belong

• Sharing constructive feedback, welcoming ideas, and helping your team turn learning into better practice

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As a deputy, you’ll bring them to life by following through, listening with care, and working alongside your team to make things better.

What We’re Looking For

You must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification to be considered for this role.

You’ll bring experience working in Early Years, a sound understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding, and the confidence to support and guide others.

We’re looking for someone who leads by example, notices when people need support, and makes space for different ideas and perspectives. Someone who can take responsibility, approach challenges thoughtfully, and ask for advice when it’s needed.

Above all, you’ll care about helping children and colleagues thrive, knowing that your own learning continues too.

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.

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