Step into a pivotal leadership role where you can shape the future of a thriving nursery, drive high-quality early years provision, and build a culture that puts children and families at the heart of everything. This is an opportunity to lead a dedicated team, embed outstanding practice across the setting, and ensure the nursery consistently meets and exceeds regulatory and Ofsted standards.

About the Role:

As Nursery Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for all children. You will lead and develop the team, oversee the early years curriculum, and maintain robust operational and compliance standards. Your work will directly influence the nursery’s reputation, quality outcomes for children, and strong partnerships with parents and carers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the daily operations of the nursery, ensuring smooth running of all rooms and services.
• Oversee planning and implementation of a high-quality early years curriculum aligned with EYFS.
• Provide clear leadership, guidance and support to staff, fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Ensure robust safeguarding and child protection practices are implemented, monitored and followed at all times.
• Maintain full compliance with regulatory requirements and Ofsted standards, including policies, procedures and documentation.
• Manage staff recruitment, induction, training, supervision and performance reviews to build and retain a skilled workforce.
• Implement effective behaviour management and positive guidance strategies across the nursery.
• Oversee budgeting and financial management, including fee monitoring, resource allocation and cost control.
• Build and maintain strong communication and partnerships with parents, including regular updates and meetings.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and administrative processes, including children’s records, registers and reports.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment by managing health and safety procedures, risk assessments and incident reporting.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior role within an early years or nursery setting, with responsibility for day-to-day operations.
• Strong track record in early years curriculum planning and delivery in line with EYFS.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, including staff supervision and development.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures and ability to implement them effectively.
• Solid understanding of regulatory compliance and Ofsted requirements for early years settings.
• Experience managing budgets and nursery finances, with the ability to make sound financial decisions.
• Confident in managing behaviour and promoting positive guidance strategies appropriate to early years.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with parents and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, record keeping and administrative skills, with attention to detail.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety practices within an early years environment.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience leading an Ofsted inspection and contributing to achieving Good or Outstanding outcomes.
• Background in implementing quality improvement plans and monitoring progress against set objectives.
• Experience using nursery management software for administration, reporting and parent communication.
• Ability to deliver staff training sessions and support continuous professional development.
• Experience working with children with additional needs and liaising with external agencies.

Qualifications:

• Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years Education/Childcare (e.g. NVQ, CACHE, NNEB or equivalent) – essential.
• Level 5 or higher childcare/early years management qualification – desirable.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training or equivalent – essential.
• Paediatric First Aid certification – essential.
• Health and Safety or Food Hygiene training relevant to early years settings – desirable.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in early years leadership and curriculum – desirable.

If you are a confident, experienced nursery leader ready to take ownership of a high-quality setting, we invite you to apply and help drive excellent outcomes for children and families.