Step into a leadership role where you can shape a high-quality early years environment, support a dedicated team, and ensure every child thrives. This is a permanent opportunity to manage a well-established nursery in Crouch End, driving standards, compliance, and a positive culture for children, families, and staff.

About the Role:

As Nursery Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of an engaging, safe, and nurturing learning environment in line with the EYFS. You will lead and develop the staff team, oversee operational and administrative functions, and maintain strong relationships with parents and external agencies. Your work will directly influence the nursery’s outcomes, reputation, and readiness for Ofsted inspections.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, support, and supervise the nursery team to deliver consistently high standards of care and education.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of an effective EYFS curriculum that meets the needs of all children.
• Ensure all safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures are fully implemented and understood by staff.
• Manage nursery operations including staffing rotas, occupancy levels, admissions, and day-to-day administration.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting in line with statutory and organisational requirements.
• Prepare the nursery for Ofsted inspections, ensuring ongoing compliance and continuous improvement against regulatory standards.
• Foster strong partnerships with parents and carers through regular communication, meetings, and feedback.
• Promote positive behaviour management strategies, modelling and supporting staff in consistent, nurturing approaches.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a Nursery Manager or senior early years leadership role.
• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of the EYFS framework and its practical implementation.
• Demonstrable experience in safeguarding and child protection, including managing concerns and following procedures.
• Track record of leading, coaching, and developing early years staff teams.
• Experience managing nursery operations such as rotas, occupancy, budgets, and administrative systems.
• Confident communicator able to build professional relationships with parents, staff, and external agencies.
• Familiarity with Ofsted requirements and experience supporting or leading inspection processes.
• Competence in behaviour management and positive guidance within an early years setting.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience implementing quality improvement plans in response to Ofsted or internal audits.
• Knowledge of additional needs and inclusion practices within early years settings.
• Experience using nursery management software or digital record-keeping systems.
• Previous involvement in marketing, events, or community engagement for a nursery or school.

Qualifications:

• Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years / Childcare (e.g. NVQ, CACHE, or equivalent) – essential.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training or willingness to complete – essential.
• Paediatric First Aid certification – essential or willingness to obtain within agreed timescales.
• Degree in Early Childhood Studies, Education, or related field – desirable.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, safeguarding, or EYFS practice – desirable.

If you are a confident, organised Nursery Manager ready to lead a high-performing setting and drive excellent outcomes for children, we encourage you to apply.