About The Barn
At The Barn, our purpose is simple but powerful: to make a positive difference to children’s lives.
We create nurturing, inspiring environments where children feel safe, valued and curious about the world around them. Rooted in outdoor learning and play-based practice, our ethos encourages children to explore, get messy, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Across our four nurseries on Teesside, we are building something special - a warm, ambitious organisation where children, families and educators thrive together.
About The Barn at Riverbank
Riverbank is a unique and much-loved nursery based in the heart of the Thornaby community. We serve families in an area where excellent early years provision makes a tangible and lasting difference to children’s lives and futures.
If you are someone who is energised by that prospect - someone who sees the enormous potential in every child and every community - this role is for you.
We are now looking for an exceptional Nursery Manager to lead the next chapter of Riverbank’s journey.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced early years leader who combines strong pedagogy with warmth, emotional intelligence and excellent organisational skills.
You will lead a committed team, shape the culture of the nursery and ensure children receive outstanding care and learning experiences every day.
This role would suit someone who:
- Leads with kindness, clarity and professionalism
- Is passionate about child development and early years education
- Believes deeply in outdoor learning and play-based practice
- Can inspire, support and develop a team
- Wants to make a meaningful difference within a local community
- Is excited by the opportunity to help shape and grow a nursery as part of a supportive wider group
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the nursery
- Create a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment for children and staff
- Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements
- Support, mentor and develop the nursery team
- Build strong relationships with children, families and the wider community
- Drive continuous improvement in quality and practice
- Support occupancy growth and family engagement
- Work collaboratively with the wider leadership team across all four Barn nurseries
- Promote a positive, welcoming and values-led culture
What We’re Looking For
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Hold a relevant Level 3 qualification as a minimum (Level 5, 6 or 7 desirable)
- Have previous leadership or management experience within an early years setting
- Have strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements
- Are confident leading teams and supporting staff development
- Are organised, proactive and solutions-focused
- Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Enjoy outdoor learning and child-led practice
- Bring warmth, positivity and a genuine passion for improving children’s lives
What We Offer
- Competitive salary from £34,000 to £40,000 depending on experience and qualifications
- 40-hour working week, Monday to Friday. After 6 months in the post, the option to spread your hours across 4 days is available
- A genuinely supportive and approachable leadership team
- A warm, family-like culture where your voice matters
- Ongoing professional development and clear progression opportunities
- The opportunity to shape and influence the future direction of the nursery
- Company pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — confidential support for your health and wellbeing
- Blue Light Card eligibility — access to thousands of discounts with national retailers
- Employee discount on childcare
- Casual dress
- Regular company events across all four nurseries
- A chance to make a real difference every single day
Safeguarding & Compliance
The Barn is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Satisfactory references
- Right to work in the UK
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter via Indeed.
In your covering letter, please include:
- A brief account of your management experience in an early years setting
- Your approach to outdoor and play-based learning
- What draws you specifically to Riverbank and The Barn
Applications close at midnight on 14 June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a strong field of candidates apply, so early applications are encouraged.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Barn Childcare — making a positive difference to children’s lives.
Pay: £34,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
Education:
- Certificate of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
- Leadership: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
