Job Description

Are you an inspiring Nursery Manager looking for their next role? Are you an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager looking for your next career step? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for an aspirational, passionate Nursery Manager to come and join our family of nurseries as part of our Nursery Leadership Team on a fixed term Maternity Cover contract.

This is a full time position working all year round, with the hours of work between 8am - 6pm. The fixed term contract will be for approximately 10 months, with the successful candidate ideally starting with us from

December 2025

to allow for a thorough handover period.

Explorers Day Nursery is conveniently located just off the M271 in Nursling, meaning it is in a prime location not only for local residents, but also for those that commute to Southampton. The setting has wonderful carefully thought-out indoor and outdoor learning environments to ensure the children feel settled, cosy and calm. Our amazing staff team support the children to become curious learners, growing and learning together - whilst always having an abundance of fun!

As a Nursery Manager, you will be:

In charge of the overall leadership of the nursery teaching quality, and business operations. Supporting the Deputy Manager, to ensure they are leading the nursery practice at the child's level within the rooms, in accordance with our internal standards teaching quality. Acting as an exceptional role-model to staff, inspiring their practice, knowledge and confidence. Building strong relationships with our staff, children and families. Able to form strong effective links with outside professionals and multi-agency working. Able to build and maintain a strong working relationship with all nursery staff, having the confidence to manage performance according to the nursery policies and procedures. Ensure all compliance matters, admin processes and business operations are well managed and up to do date - in collaboration with the Admin Manager and Nursery Deputy Manager.

Our staff and children live by our values of:

Enthusiasm Professionalism Achievement Belonging Recognition

Benefits

In order to recognise and reward the exceptional work that our staff members do every day, the Company benefits include (but are not limited to):

30% Childcare discount, increasing to 50% after two years continuous service. Enhanced holiday entitlement increasing with long service. Paid Bank Holidays and paid annual 'shut down' over the festive period. Wellbeing support available to all staff from 2 internal qualified Mental Health First Aiders. Access to free 24/7 confidential counselling helpline. Annual pay reviews as well as an additional increase for staff members with 2 years' service. Regular staff social events and team building. Workplace pension. Refer a Friend Bonus Scheme. Onsite parking. Staff uniform provided, including a lightweight summer top alternative for the warmer months. Staff room refreshments including tea, coffee, squash, and sweet treats! Discounted hot lunch available to purchase made by our in-house Nursery Chef. Easter and Christmas chocolate treats for all staff members! Brilliant progression opportunities. Support from the Company to gain further qualifications or training.
To find out more about our company please visit www.littleshipmates.com.

If you wish to have an informal discussion about this role, please give our Head Office a call on 02380 840527 where our HR Manager would love to speak with you.

Explorers Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

An enhanced DBS check & references will need to be sourced and need to meet our requirements for those successful at the interview stage.

Due to the nature of working in early years, with young children, an enhanced DBS check will be required before commencement of employment. This post will be exempt from the provision of Section 4.2, of The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, so when making your application it is required that you disclose whether there are any pending charges, convictions, bind overs or cautions, and if so, for which offence. In addition, applications are not entitled to withhold information about conviction which for other purposes are 'spent' under the provision of the act. Failure to disclose any of the above may result in terminating the offer of employment, or dismissal/disciplinary action.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 10 months

Pay: 20.54 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Application question(s):

Please state the level of early years qualification you hold and the qualification title.
Experience:

Childcare: 4 years (preferred) Management: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person