Step into a leadership role where you can shape the culture, standards, and success of a thriving nursery in Bracknell. This is a permanent opportunity to drive outstanding practice in Early Years, lead and develop a dedicated team, and ensure children receive the highest quality care and education in a safe, nurturing environment.

About the Role:

As Nursery Manager, you will hold overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the setting, ensuring it operates smoothly, safely, and in line with all regulatory requirements. You will lead on curriculum delivery, safeguarding, and quality improvement, while managing budgets, staff performance, and strong partnerships with parents and external agencies. Your work will directly impact the nursery’s reputation, Ofsted outcomes, and the wellbeing and development of every child in your care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operation of the nursery, ensuring high standards of care, education, and safeguarding at all times.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the EYFS curriculum, ensuring age-appropriate, engaging learning experiences for all children.
• Prepare thoroughly for Ofsted inspections, maintaining up-to-date documentation, evidence of good practice, and continuous quality improvement plans.
• Manage nursery budgets, fees, and financial processes, monitoring income and expenditure to ensure financial sustainability and value for money.
• Recruit, induct, supervise, and performance-manage staff, providing regular supervision, appraisals, coaching, and development opportunities.
• Implement and monitor robust health and safety and risk assessment procedures, ensuring a safe environment and compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with parents and carers, leading effective communication, feedback, and partnership working.
• Drive a positive team culture, motivating staff, managing rotas and staffing levels, and addressing operational issues promptly and effectively.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager role within an early years setting.
• Strong, current knowledge of the EYFS framework and its practical application in a nursery environment.
• Demonstrable experience in safeguarding and child protection, including implementing policies and responding appropriately to concerns.
• Experience of preparing for and contributing to Ofsted inspections, with a clear understanding of inspection criteria and compliance.
• Confident in budgeting and financial management, including monitoring occupancy, fees, and cost control.
• Track record of successful staff recruitment, supervision, and performance management within a childcare or education setting.
• Solid understanding of health and safety requirements, risk assessments, and regulatory standards in early years provision.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team, with strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of leading a nursery to achieve Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.
• Background in implementing quality improvement frameworks or action plans in early years settings.
• Familiarity with digital systems for nursery administration, planning, and parent communication.
• Experience working with children with SEND and liaising with external professionals and agencies.
• Knowledge of local authority funding processes and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (e.g. NVQ, CACHE, or equivalent) – essential.
• Level 5 or above in Early Years, Childcare, or Leadership/Management – desirable.
• Up-to-date Paediatric First Aid certification – essential or willingness to obtain.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead training or equivalent advanced safeguarding training – desirable.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in early years leadership, safeguarding, and quality improvement – desirable.

What Else Do We Offer Our Employees?

• 45-minute paid lunch break
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Fantastic childcare discount supporting working parents
• Eligible for a Blue Light Card
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including access to a Virtual GP service
• Complete Wellcare Package which includes 2 paid sick days and ongoing wellbeing support
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company events and team celebrations

If you are a confident, child-focused leader ready to take ownership of a high-quality nursery, we would like to hear from you. Apply now to take the next step in your early years management career.