Nursery Manager Vacancy

Are you passionate about early childhood education? Do you have the vision and leadership skills to make a difference? Lanterns Nursery School is looking for an exceptional Nursery Manager to join our dedicated team!

Hours:  37 hours per week, 43 weeks per year (Term time + 4 weeks), 7:30am - 5:30pm, 4 days a week

Salary: £32,149 - £35,241 Full Time Equivalent (Actual annual salary £30,448 - £33,377)

About Us:
Lanterns Nursery School is a nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow. We are committed to fostering a love of learning through play and ensuring each child feels valued and supported. Our values of respect, inclusivity, and excellence guide everything we do.

Our Vision:
We aim to be a beacon of early childhood education, combining innovative practices with compassionate care to lay the foundation for lifelong learning. We strive to develop confident, curious, and capable children ready to embark on their educational journey.

The Role:
As Nursery Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the leadership and management of our nursery. You will be responsible for setting up and leading provision for children under 2 years old and overseeing the provision for children under 3 years old. You will support the Headteacher in the overall leadership and management of the school, ensuring high standards of care and education.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management:

• Establish and manage the provision for children under 2 years old.
• Have oversight and involvement in the provision for children under 3 years old.
• Support the Headteacher in the leadership and management of the entire school.
• Implement and uphold the school's aims, values, and vision in all aspects of nursery management.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the nursery.

Exceptional Practitioner:

• Demonstrate outstanding practice in early childhood education.
• Serve as a role model for staff, exemplifying best practices in teaching and care.
• Ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being for all children.

Communication and People Skills:

• Maintain excellent communication with staff, parents, and external stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with children and their families.
• Facilitate effective teamwork and collaboration among nursery staff

Initiative and Problem Solving:

• Exhibit forward-thinking and proactive approaches to nursery management.
• Identify and address challenges promptly and effectively.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to enhance nursery provision.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant qualifications in early childhood education or a related field.
• Proven experience in nursery management or a similar leadership role.
• Strong understanding of early years curriculum and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about early childhood education.
• Committed to the school's values and vision.
• Creative, adaptable, and solution-oriented.
• Empathetic and supportive leader.

Why Join Us?
At Lanterns Nursery School, you will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. 

We offer staff discounts on goods and services such as holidays, insurance, loans, health and fitness, broadband TV and phone services, food and drink and much, much more. There are excellent CPD opportunities including training days and support given to gain further qualifications if desired. In addition, we offer employee support, which includes access to confidential counselling and health advice. As a Hampshire Nursery School, there is also the option to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Visits to the Nursery are warmly welcomed. Please contact the school office if you wish to visit on 01962 860393 to arrange an informal meeting with our Headteacher, Lynsay. 

To apply, please complete an application form and equalities monitoring form (found below) and email them to recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk. We look forward to meeting you!

∞ Closing Date –  Wednesday 23rd April 2025 at midday ∞ Interview date TBC

Lanterns Nursery School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.  All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Family Support Worker Vacancy

A new and exciting opportunity at Lanterns Nursery School, Winchester

Hours: 15 hours per week, term time only (flexible within 9am–2:30pm, 3 days a week) 

Salary: £32,149 - £35,241 Full Time Equivalent (Actual annual salary £11,148 - £12,220)

About Lanterns Nursery School Lanterns Maintained Nursery School is committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Our vision is to empower children and families with the support and skills they need to flourish, guided by values of respect, collaboration, and trust.

The Role We are looking for a compassionate and proactive Family Support Worker to join our dedicated team. This rewarding role involves working closely with families to offer guidance, provide practical support, and foster strong relationships that enhance the well-being of children and families. You will also act as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for the nursery school, ensuring the safety and welfare of all children in our care.

Responsibilities Include:

• Supporting families with tailored advice and guidance, including home visits and assistance with applications such as housing, DLA, and job forms.

• Organising parent workshops and coffee mornings to build community and provide practical insights into parenting and child development.

• Acting as a liaison between families and external agencies to ensure coordinated support, including attending and organising multi-agency meetings.

• Signposting families to appropriate services and resources, developing links with the local community.

• Coordinating initiatives such as pop up swap shop and family support weeks to promote sustainability and accessibility for families.

• Monitoring and responding to safeguarding concerns as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (training provided).

What We Are Looking For:

• Experience working with vulnerable families, ideally in early years, nursery, or primary school settings.

• Strong safeguarding knowledge and a proactive approach to promoting child welfare.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with families and professionals.

• A caring, empathetic, and non-judgmental attitude combined with strong organisational abilities.

• Confidence in running workshops and facilitating group discussions.

To apply, please complete an application form and equalities monitoring form (found below) and email them to recruitment@lanterns.hants.sch.uk. We look forward to meeting you!

∞ Closing Date –  Wednesday 23rd April 2025 at midday ∞ Interview date Monday 28th April 

Lanterns Nursery School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.  All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.