Nursery Manager
Location: Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10
Salary: £38,000–£40,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: 42.5 paid hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Working pattern: To be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate
About Us
Pembroke Park Nursery is an established independent day nursery in Three Bridges, Crawley, providing high-quality early education and childcare within a friendly and supportive environment.
We are looking for a confident, proactive and experienced Nursery Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and operation of the nursery and to help guide the setting through its next stage of development.
This is a hands-on management role with genuine responsibility and the opportunity to make a real difference.
You will work closely with the nursery owner, taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of the nursery, leading the team, maintaining high standards of safeguarding and compliance, and supporting the continued development of the setting.
We welcome applications from both experienced Nursery Managers and strong, experienced Deputy Nursery Managers who are ready to take the next step into a full management role.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Operations
- Take responsibility for the effective day-to-day running of the nursery.
- Lead, support and motivate the nursery team.
- Organise staffing, rotas and deployment to ensure appropriate ratios are maintained.
- Carry out regular staff supervisions and appraisals.
- Support recruitment, induction, training and performance management.
- Promote a positive, professional and accountable team culture.
- Work closely with the nursery owner on priorities and ongoing improvements within the setting.
Safeguarding and Compliance
- Take a lead role in safeguarding within the nursery.
- Ensure the setting operates in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework and relevant Ofsted requirements.
- Maintain high standards of child welfare, health and safety.
- Ensure policies, procedures, records and risk assessments are kept up to date and implemented effectively.
- Promote strong safer recruitment and staff suitability practices.
- Ensure the nursery remains well organised and prepared for regulatory inspections.
Curriculum and Quality
- Lead and support high-quality early years practice across the setting.
- Support staff in delivering a stimulating, inclusive and child-centred curriculum.
- Monitor the quality of teaching, learning and care, identifying areas for improvement where required.
- Ensure the individual needs of all children are recognised and supported, including children with SEND.
- Encourage reflective practice and ongoing professional development across the team.
Parents, Admissions and Occupancy
- Build strong and professional relationships with parents and carers.
- Conduct nursery tours and support prospective families through the admissions process.
- Support occupancy and retention through high standards of provision and positive parent relationships.
- Respond professionally and effectively to parent enquiries and concerns.
- Work collaboratively with external professionals and agencies where required.
About You
We would like to hear from candidates who:
- hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above;
- have substantial experience working within an early years or nursery setting;
- have previous Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager or equivalent leadership experience;
- have a strong working knowledge of the EYFS;
- have a thorough understanding of safeguarding and child protection;
- are confident in leading, supporting and developing a team;
- are well organised and able to prioritise effectively in a busy nursery environment;
- have strong communication and problem-solving skills;
- are comfortable taking responsibility and making day-to-day management decisions;
- have a positive and practical approach to continuous improvement.
Previous Nursery Manager experience is desirable, but we would also be very interested in hearing from a strong and experienced Deputy Manager who is ready to take the next step in their career.
Experience of Ofsted inspections, Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities, SEND, staff recruitment, performance management, admissions or nursery operations would be an advantage.
What We Offer
- £38,000–£40,000 per annum, depending on experience
- 42.5 paid hours per week
- Full-time, permanent position
- Monday-to-Friday working
- Working pattern to be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate
- Supportive working relationship with the nursery owner
- Opportunity to contribute to the continued development of the setting
- Funded training and ongoing professional development
- Workplace pension scheme
- Staff childcare discount
- 28 days’ paid annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays
- An additional paid day off for your birthday
- Nursery closure over the Christmas period, with applicable closure days taken from the annual leave entitlement
- Staff social events
Safeguarding
Pembroke Park Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including references, proof of identity, right-to-work checks and the appropriate Enhanced DBS checks.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Nursery Manager, or a strong Deputy Manager ready to take the next step into full nursery management, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Please apply with your current CV together with a brief summary of your early years leadership and management experience.
Pay: £38,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have previous Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager or equivalent leadership experience?
Licence/Certification:
- full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above (required)
Work Location: In person
