Step into a pivotal leadership role where you’ll shape the standards, culture and outcomes of a busy, well-regarded nursery in Guildford. This is a permanent opportunity to take ownership of the full nursery operation, driving high-quality childcare and education while leading and developing a committed staff team. You’ll be trusted to ensure the nursery is safe, compliant and financially sound, and to build strong, lasting partnerships with families.

About the Role:

As Nursery Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring that children receive an engaging, nurturing and developmentally appropriate experience in line with the EYFS. You will lead and manage the staff team, oversee regulatory compliance and safeguarding, and drive continuous improvement across practice, systems and outcomes. Your role will directly influence the nursery’s reputation, Ofsted performance and the satisfaction of children, parents and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operation of the nursery, ensuring smooth running of all rooms and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Lead the implementation and monitoring of the EYFS curriculum, ensuring high-quality planning, observations and assessments.
• Maintain robust safeguarding and child protection practices, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensuring prompt response to concerns.
• Recruit, lead and manage the staff team, including induction, supervision, coaching, training and performance appraisals.
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted and local authority requirements, preparing for inspections and responding to recommendations.
• Manage nursery budgets, fees, occupancy and financial reporting to maintain a sustainable and well-resourced setting.
• Oversee health, safety and risk management, including risk assessments, incident reporting and safe working practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, leading communication, consultation and partnership initiatives.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a nursery or early years setting at Deputy Manager or Manager level.
• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of the EYFS framework and its practical application in a nursery environment.
• Demonstrable experience in safeguarding and child protection, including acting in a designated or lead capacity.
• Track record of leading and managing staff teams, with the ability to motivate, develop and hold others to account.
• Experience of managing nursery operations, including rotas, occupancy, admissions, and record-keeping.
• Competence in budgeting, financial monitoring and fee management within an early years context.
• Solid understanding of health and safety requirements and risk management in childcare settings.
• Confident, professional communication skills, with the ability to manage parent queries, concerns and expectations.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of preparing for and managing Ofsted inspections with good or outstanding outcomes.
• Background in developing behaviour management and positive guidance strategies across a setting.
• Experience of implementing quality improvement plans and using self-evaluation tools.
• Familiarity with nursery management software and digital record-keeping systems.
• Experience of working in partnership with external agencies and local authority early years teams.

Qualifications:

• Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years / Childcare (e.g. NVQ, CACHE, NNEB, Early Years Educator) – essential.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead training or equivalent – essential.
• Paediatric First Aid certification – essential or willingness to obtain within agreed timescale.
• Level 5 or higher qualification in Early Years, Childcare, Education or Leadership/Management – desirable.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in early years leadership, safeguarding or curriculum – desirable.

If you’re a confident, experienced nursery leader ready to take full ownership of a high-quality setting in Guildford, please apply to be considered for this permanent Nursery Manager opportunity.