Step into a pivotal leadership role where you’ll shape the standards, culture, and outcomes of a busy, well-regarded nursery setting. This is an opportunity to drive high-quality childcare and education, ensuring children thrive in a safe, stimulating environment while leading and developing a committed staff team. You will be trusted with the overall operational, educational, and regulatory performance of the nursery.

About the Role:

As Nursery Manager, you will have full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring outstanding care and learning experiences in line with the EYFS framework. You will lead and motivate the staff team, oversee curriculum delivery and assessment, and maintain robust safeguarding and compliance standards. Your leadership will directly influence the nursery’s reputation, Ofsted outcomes, and financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the nursery, ensuring smooth running of all rooms and consistent high standards of care and education.
• Lead, manage, and support the staff team, including supervision, performance reviews, and effective staff deployment.
• Implement and monitor an engaging EYFS-based curriculum, ensuring appropriate planning, observation, and assessment for all children.
• Maintain rigorous safeguarding and child protection procedures, acting as a key point of contact for any concerns and ensuring prompt, appropriate action.
• Manage nursery budgets, fees, and financial processes, monitoring income and expenditure to meet agreed financial targets.
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted and all regulatory requirements, including policies, procedures, and documentation for inspections.
• Oversee health and safety standards across the setting, conducting risk assessments and ensuring a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain accurate nursery administration and record-keeping, including registers, child records, staff records, and statutory documentation.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior role within an early years setting, ideally as Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.
• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and its practical application in a nursery environment.
• Demonstrable experience in safeguarding and child protection, including implementing policies and responding to concerns.
• Track record of effective staff management and leadership, with the ability to motivate, coach, and manage performance.
• Experience of budgeting and financial management within a nursery or similar childcare setting.
• Solid understanding of health and safety requirements in early years, including risk assessment and incident management.
• Familiarity with Ofsted regulatory frameworks and proven experience preparing for and participating in inspections.
• Competence in nursery administration and record-keeping, with strong organisational and time-management skills.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience leading staff training and development programmes within an early years setting.
• Background in developing and evaluating curriculum plans and assessment systems to improve outcomes.
• Confidence in using nursery management software and digital tools for records, communication, and reporting.
• Experience in building strong relationships with parents and external agencies to support children’s development.
• Involvement in quality improvement initiatives, including self-evaluation and action planning.

Qualifications:

• Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years/Childcare (e.g. NVQ, CACHE, or equivalent) – essential.
• Level 5 or higher qualification in Early Years, Childcare, or Leadership and Management – desirable.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead training or equivalent safeguarding certification – strongly preferred.
• Paediatric First Aid certification – essential or willingness to obtain promptly.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in early years education, leadership, or compliance – desirable.

If you are a confident, organised leader with a passion for high-quality early years provision, this role offers the scope to make a lasting impact on children, families, and staff. Apply now to take the next step in your nursery management career.