Job Description

Relief Nursery Manager & Apprentice Co-ordinator

Location:

Across our KZAR Childcare nurseries in Fleet, Hook and Bordon(travel required between sites)

Contract:

Permanent, Part or full time. - Hours to be discussed, must fit nursery session times (8-6pm, 8-1pm, or 1-6pm)

Are you an experienced Nursery Manager looking for a dynamic role with variety, flexibility, and impact?

Do you thrive on dipping in and out of different teams, sharing your expertise and being a part of a wider Senior Leadership team that strives for Exceptional practice across all of our settings?

We're looking for a

Relief Nursery Manager & Apprentice Co-Ordinator

to join our passionate KZAR Childcare team! This is an exciting opportunity to support multiple nursery settings, mentor future practitioners, and ensure our nurseries maintain the highest standards of care and education.

About the Role

As our Relief Nursery Manager, you'll work across our nurseries in Fleet, Hook and Bordon to provide management cover during holidays, sickness, Ofsted inspections, and busy periods. You'll form strong relationships with each nursery team and play a vital role in maintaining consistency and excellence across all settings.

You'll also take the lead in

mentoring and supporting our Nursery Apprentices

, helping them develop the skills and confidence to become 'key person ready'. This includes coordinating meetings, supporting assessments, and ensuring their learning journey runs smoothly so that they become strong, confident and qualified practitioners that meet our high standards of childcare.

To learn more about us, check out our website: www.kzarchildcare.co.uk and our individual nursery instagram pages!

Key Responsibilities

Provide management cover across multiple nurseries as needed. This could be for short periods, or an extended period of Management cover in the event of maternity leave or recruitment gaps. Mentor and monitor Nursery Apprentices, supporting their learning, assessments, and professional growth. Accompanying their learning from sign up to end point assessment. You may have a relevant Assessor qualification, or just a passion for Learning and Development. Handle day-to-day nursery operations during cover periods, including safeguarding, parent queries and team support. Support recruitment, inductions, and staff development alongside the General Manager and HR team. Foster reflective practice, teamwork, and high morale across all settings. Ensure compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, and all relevant legislation. Deliver engaging showrounds for prospective parents and assist with the registration process. Promote positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

A qualified childcare professional (minimum Level 3 in Early Years, Level 5+ desirable). Experienced in managing or leading within an Early Years setting. Confident in mentoring and supporting staff and apprentices. Organised, proactive, and able to adapt to different teams and environments. Knowledgeable about current EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards. A strong communicator with excellent customer care skills. Positive, professional, and passionate about delivering exceptional childcare.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and welcome bonus. Work/ life balance.

Supportive, friendly management team from a family run chain of nurseries and collaborative working culture. The chance to make a real difference across multiple nurseries.

Discounted childcare

for your own little ones.

A discount platform covering all of life's needs

- from supermarket discounts, gym membership, restaurants, shopping, days out, holidays and much more.

24/7 private GP access

, including online appointments & prescription delivery.

Confidential counselling & wellbeing support

whenever you need it.

Paid day off for your birthday!

Book holidays up to 18 months ahead.

Unlimited professional development

& progression opportunities

Employee referral bonuses

& 3% pension contribution. Supportive,

Mental Health First Aid trained management team.

A role full of variety, flexibility, and purpose -- no two weeks are ever the same!

Our settings are: Heath House Day Nursery, Fleet; Wentwood House Day Nursery, Fleet; Oaklea House Day Nursery, Hook; Forest House Day Nursery, Bordon.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,500.00 per year

Expected hours: 27 - 41 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Childcare Discounted or free food Free or subsidised travel Gym membership Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Store discount
Application question(s):

What days and hours are you able to reliably work each week? When would you be able to start?
Work Location: On the road