Step into a pivotal leadership role where you’ll shape the quality, culture, and outcomes of a busy, well-established nursery. This is an opportunity to lead a dedicated team, drive outstanding standards of care and education, and ensure every child experiences a safe, nurturing environment in which to thrive.

About the Role:

As Nursery Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the setting, ensuring high-quality provision in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements. You will lead, support, and develop the staff team, oversee curriculum planning and safeguarding practices, and maintain robust operational systems. Your work will directly influence the nursery’s reputation, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the nursery’s daily operations, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and well-organised environment for children and staff.
• Oversee planning, delivery, and evaluation of the Early Years curriculum to meet EYFS standards and support each child’s development.
• Ensure safeguarding and child protection policies are implemented, monitored, and embedded across all practice.
• Manage, coach, and motivate the staff team, including supervision, performance reviews, and day-to-day support.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, and ongoing training to build a skilled, engaged, and compliant workforce.
• Maintain effective communication with parents and carers, handling queries, concerns, and feedback professionally.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance with Ofsted, EYFS, health and safety legislation, and nursery policies, including preparation for inspections.
• Manage administrative tasks, record-keeping, and reporting, including children’s records, staff files, and operational documentation.
• Lead quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives, identifying areas for development and implementing action plans.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a Nursery Manager or senior Early Years leadership role within a regulated childcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and Early Years curriculum planning in a nursery environment.
• Demonstrable safeguarding and child protection expertise, with the ability to act as a lead practitioner.
• Experience in staff leadership, team management, and performance appraisal in an Early Years context.
• Solid understanding of Ofsted requirements and regulatory compliance, including preparation and response to inspections.
• Competence in health and safety management within a childcare setting, including risk assessments and incident reporting.
• Confident communication skills for building positive relationships with parents, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, record-keeping, and administrative skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to drive quality standards and continuous improvement through effective monitoring and action planning.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience managing budgets and resources within a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Previous responsibility for leading on quality improvement projects or achieving improved Ofsted outcomes.
• Familiarity with digital nursery management systems for planning, observations, and record-keeping.
• Experience in delivering staff training or mentoring to support professional development.
• Knowledge of local authority processes, funding streams, and external agency liaison.

Qualifications:

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

If you’re a confident, experienced Nursery Manager ready to lead a high-performing team and uphold outstanding standards of care and education, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now to take the next step in your Early Years leadership career.