Lead with Passion – Nursery Manager Opportunity
Position: Nursery Manager
Location: Ham Playing Fields, Near Richmond-Upon-Thames
Job Type: Full-time (typically 40 hours per week, flexible working options available)
Salary: £42,000 - £47,000 per annum (dependant on experience)
About Us
At Katey's House nurseries, part of the Chalk Nursery Group, we believe in creating a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where children are supported to thrive — emotionally, socially, and academically.
Katey’s Ham offers a unique balance of indoor learning and outdoor adventure across five acres of fields, astro-turf, and playgrounds. Our approach blends structured learning with free exploration in nature, boosting focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This is a setting where the outdoors is an extension of the classroom, and children grow in confidence every day. The nursery is a 48-place setting situated by the river, offering a peaceful, spacious environment within reach of surrounding communities.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Nursery Manager to lead our Kingston setting. As the face and heartbeat of the nursery, you will:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth running of the nursery and compliance with all regulatory standards
- Provide strong leadership to the team, managing performance, development, and recruitment
- Be the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and uphold a robust culture of safeguarding
- Take ownership of curriculum planning, ensuring it reflects the EYFS and promotes quality learning through play
- Act as SENCO and lead on behaviour management
- Build warm, professional relationships with parents, children and the wider community
- Manage health and safety, risk assessments and policy reviews
- Drive enrolments and parent engagement through nursery tours, open days, and local outreach
- Maintain high standards in all areas, including compliance with Ofsted, health & safety, and safeguarding legislation
What We’re Looking For
· Level 3 (minimum) qualification in Early Years (Level 5 or above preferred)
· Proven experience in a leadership role within an early years setting
· Strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding requirements, and Ofsted frameworks
· Excellent communication, people management and organisational skills
· A warm, proactive and resilient leader with a passion for early childhood development
· SENCO training, Paediatric First Aid and Designated Safeguarding Lead training (or willingness to undertake)
What We Offer
A competitive salary and benefits package
31 days of annual leave (including paid time off at Christmas)
Regular staff social events and recognition initiatives
Free access to expert wellbeing support, daily check-ins, and virtual health consultations via the Symbio app
Discounted childcare
Free meals on shift
Full uniform provided
Ongoing training and development opportunities
A genuinely supportive team and leadership structure
Important Information
- All positions are subject to an enhanced DBS check
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children – all staff are expected to share this commitment
Apply Today
If you are a confident and compassionate leader ready to take the next step in your early years career, we’d love to hear from you.
#BRMRL
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £42,000.00-£47,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Experience:
- Nursery: 3 years (required)
- Nursery Manager: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Relevant Level 3 or above in Childcare (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
