Nursery Manager
Job Summary
Dragonfly Preschool is seeking an exceptional Nursery Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our inclusive, child-centred setting.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early years professional who is passionate about high-quality practice, values every child as an individual, and is confident leading a dedicated team. Our setting has a significant focus on inclusion and SEND, so we are looking for someone who embraces difference, builds strong relationships with families and professionals, and is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for every child.
Working closely with the Director, you will take responsibility for the daily management of the nursery, ensuring outstanding standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance while creating a positive, supportive culture for both children and staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment.
- Lead, motivate and develop the staff team through coaching, supervision and performance management.
- Promote a culture of kindness, inclusion and high expectations across the setting.
- Ensure the nursery remains fully compliant with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Ofsted requirements and all relevant legislation.
- Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, health and safety and child welfare.
- Support children with a wide range of developmental needs, working alongside families and external professionals where appropriate.
- Monitor the quality of teaching and learning, supporting staff to continually improve their practice.
- Oversee planning, observations and assessments to ensure children make excellent progress.
- Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and outside agencies.
- Manage staffing, ratios, daily organisation and deployment to ensure the smooth running of the nursery.
- Support recruitment, induction and ongoing professional development of the team.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure all policies and procedures are implemented consistently.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and help drive the future development of Dragonfly Preschool.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5 or above desirable).
- Previous experience in a leadership or management role within an early years setting.
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
- Experience leading, motivating and developing staff.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Confident decision-maker who remains calm under pressure.
- A genuine commitment to inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff and professionals.
- Good IT and administrative skills.
Desirable
- SENDCO qualification or significant experience supporting children with SEND.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Experience preparing for or leading an Ofsted inspection.
- Experience managing budgets, occupancy and nursery administration.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who:
- Leads with warmth, integrity and professionalism.
- Inspires and develops others.
- Is proactive and solution-focused.
- Has high expectations without losing sight of the individual child.
- Communicates openly and honestly.
- Shares our belief that every child deserves to belong.
This is an opportunity to become part of a setting where inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for someone who wants to make a genuine difference, lead with purpose and help shape the future of Dragonfly Preschool.
Pay: From £26,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have a level 3 NVQ ?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
