Nursery Deputy Manager

Ready to support a fantastic team and make a real difference in early years?

Heath House Day Nursery in Fleet is looking for an experienced, hands-on Deputy Manager to join our warm, family-run flagship nursery.

About Us

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.

To gain more of an insight into our nursery days, please visit our Instagram @heath_house_day_nursery or our website:

The Role

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.

A special role, we are excited to find someone as passionate about our nursery setting as we are.

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.

Join Our Family

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: From £30,000.00 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