Headteacher

Job Introduction

Haven Nursery School

Headteacher

 Closing Date: 11th December 12 (noon)

Interview Date(s): 13th and 14th January 

Job Start Date: April 2027

Contract/Hours: Permanent, Full-time

Salary Type: Leadership Scale

Salary Details: The indicative pay range is set at L8 – L14  (£63,688 - £73,827)

Hours of Work: Full time

Location of Role: Haven Nursery School, Harris Road, Gosport, PO13 0UY

Contact e-mail address: htrecruitment@hants.gov.uk 

About us 

At Haven Nursery School and daycare, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive personally, socially, emotionally, and academically. We are a maintained nursery school at the heart of the Gosport community, where children, families, and staff are welcomed into a nurturing environment that feels like a home from home. As we provide daycare provision, we are open 51 weeks of the year. Our ethos is simple yet powerful: education is for all.

We are now seeking our next inspiring, values-led Headteacher to lead our dedicated and highly skilled team into the next chapter of Haven’s journey.

• A joyful, play-rich curriculum where children are valued as unique, inquisitive, kind, adventurous, and empowered learners.
• A setting where inclusion is not an add-on, but at the heart of our practice.
• Provision designed around early brain development and the critical first five years of life.
• A strong focus on sensory processing, communication, regulation, and play, woven seamlessly into daily practice.
• A community where families are empowered and supported, with a dedicated Family Support Worker, SENDCo, and full-time operations manager.
• A proud maintained nursery school and daycare provision, with a reputation for reflective, research-informed practice and strong partnerships with professionals across education, health, and social care.

About You

We are looking for a leader who:

• Is passionate about early years and understands the profound importance of the first five years of life.
• Shares our belief that education is for all and that inclusion must be lived, not labelled.
• Has a proven track record of outstanding leadership in early years or primary education.
• Is strategic, reflective, and able to drive continuous improvement while maintaining the warmth and family feel that defines Haven.
• Values play as the heartbeat of learning and can champion our pedagogy across the school and beyond.
• Can work in genuine partnership with families, staff, governors, and external agencies to secure the very best outcomes for children.
• Has strong financial and organisational acumen to ensure sustainability while nurturing excellence.

What We Offer

• A warm, collaborative, and dedicated team of practitioners, governors, and families.
• A school with a strong reputation for inclusive, high-quality early years education.
• Opportunities to shape and grow the future of a maintained nursery school that is highly respected locally and beyond.
• A culture of professional curiosity, reflective practice, and shared expertise.
• A joyful, purposeful environment where children’s play and wellbeing are at the centre of everything, we do

Please note that we are currently in temporary accommodation on the site of the ex - Peel Common Infant School. This will be the location for the tours. Interviews will take place at the Harris Road premises. 

Applications

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please contact our school office on 01329 232095 or admin.office@haven.hants.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

Please find attached the Headteacher information pack 

Click the ‘Apply’ button to complete your application.

Applications should be received no later than noon on Friday 11th December

You should provide a full statement in support of your application, which should not exceed two sides of A4 paper. Please do not restate the factual details already included elsewhere on the application form.
 
Selection Procedure
 The shortlist will be drawn up during week commencing 14th December and the selection process will take place on 13th and 14th January 2027. Further details will be sent to those candidates called for interview.
 
 Applicants will be advised after the shortlisting date whether they have been successful.
 
Equality Monitoring
 All applications will be required to complete an Equality Monitoring form.

Safer Recruitment

Haven 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.