Have you ever wanted to be an astronaut? Explore a jungle searching for hidden animals? Or join a magical tea party in the enchanting gardens of a toddler’s imagination? At Explorers Day Nursery, these adventures happen every day! Here, whether you’re a tiny two-year-old or a fully grown adult, fun, laughter, and curiosity are part of the job.
About Us
Explorers Day Nursery is a purpose-built, welcoming, and nurturing setting conveniently located just off the M271 in Nursling, making it ideal for those living locally or commuting to Southampton and surrounding areas.
We provide a high-quality early years environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn through play. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, happy place where children feel confident to try new things, build friendships, and enjoy every moment of their nursery day.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Nursery Room Leader to take a leading role in one of our rooms, supporting both children and staff in a nurturing, stimulating environment.
As Room Leader, you will oversee the daily running of the room, ensuring that children’s learning and development are supported through high-quality play and engaging activities. You will lead, mentor, and support your team, helping to deliver an inspiring curriculum and maintain the highest standards of care.
Hours:
- 36 hours over 4 days, or
- 40 hours over 5 days
Pattern: All-year-round (term-time positions not available)
Our Values
At Explorers Day Nursery, our values guide everything we do:
- Enthusiasm – bringing energy, joy, and positivity to everything we do
- Professionalism – maintaining high standards in care and learning
- Achievement – supporting children and staff reach their full potential
- Belonging – creating and nurturing a true sense of family and inclusion
- Recognition – celebrating and rewarding all successes, big and small
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
We care about our staff as much as we care about our children. When you join Explorers Day Nursery, you’ll enjoy:
- 30% childcare discount (rising to 50% after 2 years continuous service).
- Enhanced holiday entitlement with long service.
- Festive closure over Christmas period.
- On-hand wellbeing support, including internal Mental Health First Aiders and a free 24/7 counselling service.
- Annual pay reviews and additional increases for long-serving staff members.
- Regular fun social events, and team-building activities.
- Workplace pension.
- Staff uniform provided (alternative lightweight summer tops included!).
- Staff room refreshments including tea, coffee, squash, and sweet treats.
- Seasonal chocolate treats at Easter and Christmas!
- Ample support and opportunities to progress your career including further qualifications and training.
- Refer-a-Friend Bonus Scheme
Next Steps
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to hear from you! Give us a call on 02380 731448 to have a friendly, informal chat with the Nursery Manager.
Important Information
- An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references are required prior to commencing employment.
- Explorers Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Due to the nature of the role, it is exempt from the provision of the Section 4.2 of The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, candidates must disclose any pending charges, convictions, bind overs, or cautions as required by law. Applications are not entitled to withhold information about conviction which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the act. Failure to disclose may result in dismissal or termination of the offer of employment.
Discover more about us at www.littleshipmates.com.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £14.27 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a full and relevant Level 3 Childcare qualification? (Please note Health and Social Care is not deemed as full and relevant)
Experience:
- Childcare: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
