Senior Nursery Manager – Confidential Childcare ProviderBlackburn | £42,000 – £50,000.00 DOE | £1,000 Bonus | 100% Childcare Discount | 30 Days Holiday + Birthday Off
We are a private childcare provider in the Blackburn area looking for a strong, experienced Senior Nursery Manager to lead one of our early years settings.
This is a confidential vacancy. The company name and full setting details will be discussed with shortlisted applicants.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who understands EYFS, safeguarding, Ofsted expectations, staff development, parent relationships, occupancy, compliance and day-to-day nursery operations.
We are looking for a proper nursery leader — someone who can walk into a setting, raise standards, support staff, hold people accountable and create a calm, safe, well-run nursery where children, parents and staff feel supported.
This is not just a title. We need someone who can lead from the front, coach staff in practice, challenge poor standards, improve systems and make sure expectations are embedded across the setting.
Why this role stands out
- £42,000 – £50,000 salary depending on experience
- £1,000 bonus paid after successful completion of probation
- 100% childcare fee discount, subject to availability and terms
- 30 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Extra paid day off for your birthday
- Full-time, permanent role
- Monday to Friday
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Genuine director support
- Opportunity to make a real impact
- Training, compliance and improvement support
- Scope to grow with a private childcare business
The role
You will be responsible for the leadership, operational performance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance of the setting.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the nursery day-to-day and setting clear expectations across all rooms
- Ensuring high standards of EYFS delivery, safeguarding and welfare practice
- Preparing for Ofsted and ensuring actions are completed and embedded
- Coaching, mentoring and supporting staff so practice improves in the rooms
- Managing staff performance, supervisions, training and development
- Ensuring ratios, deployment, risk assessments, hygiene and safety standards are maintained
- Supporting strong baby room, toddler room and preschool practice
- Building strong relationships with parents, families and professionals
- Supporting occupancy, enquiries, parent show-rounds and retention
- Managing complaints, concerns and difficult conversations professionally
- Creating a positive, accountable and motivated team culture
- Keeping records, policies, procedures and compliance evidence up to date
- Working closely with the director and senior team to raise standards
What we are looking for
You must have:
- Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
- Strong nursery management or senior deputy management experience
- Good understanding of EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements
- Experience leading staff, improving practice and holding people accountable
- Confidence dealing with parents, staff and external professionals
- Strong communication and organisation skills
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- A hands-on approach when needed, without losing sight of management responsibilities
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare
Desirable:
- Level 5 or above in Early Years, Leadership or Management
- DSL experience
- SENCO experience
- Experience improving nursery standards
- Experience leading a setting through Ofsted inspection or action planning
- Strong knowledge of staff training, supervision and compliance systems
- Driving licence preferred
The person we want
The right person will be firm but fair, organised, warm with children and families, and strong enough to lead a team properly.
You will be someone who does not walk past poor practice. You will know how to coach staff, challenge standards, support room leaders and keep children’s safety and development at the centre of everything.
We want someone who brings energy, structure, high standards and confidence into the setting.
Package
- Salary: £42,000 – £50,000 depending on experience
- £1,000 bonus paid after successful completion of probation
- 100% childcare fee discount, subject to availability and terms
- 30 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Extra paid day off for your birthday
- Full-time, permanent role
- Monday to Friday
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including references, right to work checks and an enhanced DBS check.
Apply
Please apply with your CV and a short message explaining your nursery management experience, Ofsted experience and what you would bring to the setting.
Pay: £42,000.00-£50,864.48 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Experience:
- nursery Management: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 or above in childcare (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
