Help Us Build Something Special
Little Willow Nest is a new boutique nursery opening in Tunbridge Wells, designed exclusively for babies and young toddlers up to 2 years.
Our vision is simple: to create a calm, nurturing and beautiful environment where children experience exceptional care during the most important years of their development.
Unlike many larger nurseries, Little Willow Nest has been intentionally designed around small numbers, strong relationships and high-quality care. We believe babies thrive when they are deeply known, emotionally secure and surrounded by familiar, responsive adults.
We are now looking for an exceptional early years professional to join us as our Registered Manager and help shape the nursery from the very beginning.
A Different Type of Management Role
Unlike many Nursery Manager positions, this role is supported by an actively involved founder and nominated individual who remains responsible for business operations, occupancy, marketing, recruitment, finance and wider strategic leadership.
As an under 2's only setting, the senior baby room lead will be the registered manager and focus primarily on:
- Leading outstanding practice
- Supporting children and families
- Maintaining exceptional standards of care
- Creating a warm, nurturing environment where children can thrive
For the right candidate, this creates a unique opportunity to take on genuine leadership responsibility without many of the commercial pressures often associated with larger nursery groups.
Who This Role May Suit
This role may be ideal for:
- An experienced Baby Room Leader ready to take the next step into management
- A Deputy Manager looking for their first Registered Manager opportunity
- An existing Nursery Manager seeking a smaller, more personal setting with greater focus on children and practice
We are far more interested in values, leadership potential and a genuine passion for early childhood than the number of years somebody has held a management title.
What Makes Little Willow Nest Different
Small Numbers
We are intentionally small. Our focus is on quality rather than scale, enabling stronger relationships and more individualised care.
A Baby-Focused Environment
We specialise exclusively in children under two years old, allowing us to create an environment specifically designed around the needs of babies and young toddlers.
Founder-Led
You'll work directly alongside the founder and nominated individual, with the opportunity to genuinely influence how the nursery develops.
Opportunity to Build
This is a rare opportunity to join a nursery before opening and help create something exceptional from the ground up.
What We're Looking ForEssential
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)
- Experience working with children under 2 years old
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS
- Excellent safeguarding knowledge
- Experience leading or supporting a team
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
Desirable
- Previous Room Leader, Deputy Manager or Nursery Manager experience
- SENCO experience or training
- DSL experience
- Experience with Ofsted inspections
- Paediatric First Aid
What We Offer
- £31,000 - £36,000 salary depending on experience
- Free on-site parking
- Company pension
- Ongoing professional development
- SENCO development opportunities
- Team wellbeing and development days
- Complimentary refreshments
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Opportunity to help build a nursery from launch
- Genuine progression opportunities as the nursery grows
Why Little Willow Nest?
This is a rare opportunity to join a nursery before opening and play a key role in creating something exceptional.
We believe children deserve calm, connected and high-quality care during their earliest years, and we're looking for someone who shares that vision.
Apply
Please apply via Indeed with your CV.
We welcome applications from Baby Room Leaders, Deputy Managers and Nursery Managers.
Little Willow Nest is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and relevant suitability checks.
Pay: £31,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- What you believe exceptional care for babies and young toddlers looks like?
Experience:
- Level 3: 2 years (required)
- Baby Room: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
