EARLY YEARS CENTRE MANAGER (Maternity Cover)

Sherfield Early Years Centre
  • Title EARLY YEARS CENTRE MANAGER (Maternity Cover)
  • Setting Day Nursery / Nursery School
  • Role Manager
  • Salary £34,000 to £36,000 per annum
  • Hours Temporary / Cover
  • Location Hook, Hampshire

Job Summary

Date posted: 17 March 2025
  • Job Type: May 2025 to May 2026. 12-month, Fixed Term Contract. Maternity Cover.
  • Apply by: Tuesday 18th March 2025

We are seeking to recruit a dynamic Early Years Centre Manager who has an interest in outdoor learning to cover for our existing Early Years Centre Manager while she is on maternity leave. 

We're located in a stunning setting on the grounds of a grand Victorian manor house near Basingstoke, Hampshire, and offer a truly unique experience

Sherfield Early Years is part of Sherfield School, an outstanding independent school for pupils aged 3 months to 18 years. Nestled within the school's expansive 76 acres of land and woodland, our nursery shares numerous facilities, including the library, dance studio, and children's kitchen. Daily walks around the grounds are a cherished part of our routine. 

Unlike traditional nurseries, we provide a diverse environment for both our staff and children. Our converted cottages offer a range of spaces to explore, both indoors and outdoors. Gone are the days of being confined to a single room! 

Renowned for our exceptional care, Sherfield Early Years has earned a highly regarded reputation. Don't just take our word for it—here's what some of our parents have recently said:  

“The program they run and the facilities are the best around for miles”  

“The most amazing setting with fantastic staff and amazing care! If I could give it 1000 stars, I would.” 

In addition to joining an extraordinary team, we offer a range of benefits, including: 

  • Free daily lunch 
  • In-house training opportunities 
  • Support for external training, subject to training agreements 
  • Contributory pension scheme 
  • Free parking 

The nursery is open from 7.30am until 6.00pm.  This is a fixed term post for one year, working Monday to Friday, 48 weeks per year.  We provide a competitive salary and an incredible working environment where your talents, skills, and passions can thrive. 

As part of the Sherfield Early Years team you will nurture and encourage the creativity, independence and resilience of our children, both indoors and out. You will join a kind, caring team who put the children in our care first. 

To apply, please complete a brief cover letter that sets out your interest in the role and experience relevant to the required criteria.

Please include the names and contact details of three referees. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates.

Skills / Qualifications:

  • MINIMUM QUALIFICATION - NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent
  • Up-to-date Child Protection and Safeguarding training
  • First Aid training
  • Significant experience of working with children under five and managing transitions
  • Thorough knowledge and experience of working in the setting and to be able to relay this information to prospective parents during show rounds
  • including fee structure
  • sessions available and settling in process
  • desirable - A degree in Childcare or equivalent
  • desirable - Interest in taking a management qualification
  • desirable - Lead Safeguarding training
  • desirable - Experience of managing staff preferably including teams of EY practitioners and taking specific responsibility