Job Type: Full-time, (Permanent 40 Hours Per week)
About the Role
We are looking for a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Nursery Manager to lead our welcoming early years setting. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring leader who is committed to providing outstanding childcare and early education in a warm, home-from-home environment where children, families, and staff can thrive.
As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding, and operational excellence. You will lead and inspire your team, promote continuous improvement, and create an environment where every child is encouraged to learn, grow, and flourish.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, and Room Leaders to deliver outstanding early years education and care.
Oversee the day-to-day management and operations of the nursery.
Maintain a safe, organised, stimulating, and welcoming environment for children and staff.
Ensure the nursery operates in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Ofsted requirements, safeguarding legislation, and health and safety regulations.
Maintain accurate records and ensure all policies and procedures are consistently followed.
Prepare the nursery for inspections, audits, and regulatory visits.
Build and maintain positive relationships with children, parents, carers, colleagues, and external professionals.
Promote the nursery within the local community and support occupancy growth.
Conduct nursery tours and confidently guide prospective families through the registration process.
Ensure staffing levels and deployment remain compliant with statutory staff-to-child ratios.
Support the implementation of engaging learning experiences that encourage children to learn through play.
Monitor children’s progress and ensure observations and developmental records are completed to a high standard.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, quality, and excellence throughout the nursery.
Leadership Responsibilities
Lead, motivate, and inspire the nursery team through positive leadership and role modelling.
Recruit, interview, induct, mentor, and support new and existing team members.
Carry out regular supervision meetings, performance reviews, and personal development planning.
Allocate duties and support staff to achieve the highest standards of practice.
Lead staff meetings, training sessions, and parent information events.
Respond professionally to parent queries, feedback, and complaints.
Work towards nursery budgets, occupancy targets, and operational objectives.
Ensure compliance with statutory guidance, nursery policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
Work collaboratively with the wider leadership team to continuously improve nursery performance.
Act as a key holder and ensure the security of the nursery premises.
What We’re Looking For
A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
Previous experience in a Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, or similar leadership role.
Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
Proven leadership and people management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
A commitment to delivering outstanding customer service to children and families.
A genuine passion for providing exceptional early years education and care.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The successful candidate will be committed to protecting the welfare, health, safety, and wellbeing of every child in our care. You will ensure safeguarding procedures are implemented effectively, promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout the nursery, and complete all mandatory safeguarding and health and safety training.
Why Join Us?
When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a fantastic range of benefits, including:
Birthday Off
6 Fully Paid Sick Days
Cashback Healthcare Plan
Retail Discounts
Recognition & Reward Scheme
50% Childcare Discount
24/7 Virtual GP Access
24/7 Counselling Support
Discounted Gym Membership
Personal Financial Advisor Access
Pension Discovery
Learning Platform Access
All Applicants are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and the right to work in the UK.
