Ready to support a fantastic team and make a real difference in early years?
Oaklea House Day Nursery in Hook is looking for an experienced, hands-on Maternity Deputy Manager to join our warm, family-run and bustling nursery.
About Us
Oaklea House has been part of the community since 2015 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 on the A30 and within walking distance of Hook Station.
We are proud to have a sprawling nursery equipped with a soft play suite, a 5* Kitchen and a recently achieved Eco Schools Green Flag Award for our commitment to sustainability.
To gain more of an insight into our nursery days, please visit our Instagram @oaklea_house_day_nursery or our website: www.kzarchildcare.co.uk
The Role
A rare opportunity to support our home grown success stories, 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.
Due to maternity leave, this role will ideally commence in August 2026 and conclude upon the return of the current title holder (Late 2027).
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.
Once the current title holder returns, we will always try to provide a similar or identical role if the fixed contract period has gone well.
You Will:
- Support the Manager and Relief 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 in the absence of the Manager, ensuring continuity and excellence at all times.
- Support and develop your team through mentoring, training, and supervisions.
- Take pride in maintaining our strong team dynamic and keeping the team happy, engaged and motivated to reach our mutual goals.
- 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 Deputy Manager experience desirable, however we welcome experienced room leads).
- 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.
- An ability to hit the ground running and dive head first into a busy summer!
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Flexible rota
- Ongoing attendance awards, with the ability to increase salary by up to 12%!
- 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. Including free tescos/ uber/ amazon vouchers and many freebies.
- 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 and end-of-year awards
- Unlimited professional development & progression opportunities.
- 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!
Pay: £31,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- When are you available to start?
- What is the largest nursery that you have worked in?
- Are you able to work 4.5 days per week?
Work Location: In person
