About the Role
Early Explorers Day Nursery & Pre-School is seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious, and experienced Nursery Manager to lead and grow our developing nursery. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a start-up or growing environment and is passionate about creating an outstanding early years provision.
We are looking for a manager who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves, work alongside the team, and lead by example. Working closely with the Area Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in developing the nursery’s culture, supporting staff, driving occupancy, and ensuring children receive the highest quality care and education. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate leader who wants to be part of growing a relatively new nursery and establishing a strong, committed team.
Working Relationship
The Nursery Manager will work closely alongside the Area Manager, receiving ongoing support, guidance, and mentorship to ensure the continued growth and success of the nursery.
This is a collaborative leadership role where the Nursery Manager will be expected to:
* Work in partnership with the Area Manager to drive occupancy, quality improvement, and operational excellence.
* Implement and monitor nursery improvement plans and strategic objectives.
* Participate in regular coaching, supervision, and quality assurance meetings.
* Support the delivery of the nursery’s vision, values, and curriculum alongside the wider leadership team.
* Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and best practice across the nursery.
* Work proactively with the Area Manager to prepare for Ofsted inspections and maintain high standards of care, education, and safeguarding.
The successful candidate will benefit from the support of an experienced Area Manager while having the autonomy to lead the day-to-day operations of the nursery and develop their own team. This role would suit a manager who values collaboration, is open to continuous professional development, and is passionate about helping to build and grow a successful nursery.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
* Lead the day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring high standards are maintained at all times.
* Build, motivate, and develop a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring, and regular supervision.
* Create a positive, supportive, and professional working environment.
* Lead by example and maintain a visible presence within the nursery.
* Spend significant time working directly within the rooms, supporting practitioners and children.
* Manage staffing, recruitment, induction, training, and retention.
* Support the nursery’s growth and occupancy targets through excellent parent partnerships and community engagement.
* Drive continuous improvement and prepare the nursery for inspections and quality assurance visits.
Quality of Education
* Ensure the curriculum is ambitious, engaging, and in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
* Demonstrate a strong understanding of the latest EYFS Framework, Birth to Five Matters, and current early years best practice.
* Support practitioners in delivering high-quality teaching and learning experiences.
* Monitor planning, observations, assessments, and children’s progress.
* Promote children’s communication and language development across the setting.
* Conduct regular learning walks, room audits, and coaching sessions to continually improve practice.
* Ensure children receive rich learning experiences that support all areas of development.
Safeguarding and Welfare
* Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or be willing to undertake DSL training.
* Ensure safeguarding remains at the heart of everything the nursery does.
* Maintain compliance with all statutory requirements, policies, and procedures.
* Promote children’s health, safety, wellbeing, and emotional development.
* Ensure robust safer recruitment practices are followed.
Team Development
* Support staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
* Conduct regular supervisions, appraisals, and performance management meetings.
* Develop a strong culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.
* Support practitioners to understand and implement the curriculum effectively.
* Foster teamwork, accountability, and professional pride.
* Build and develop a strong nursery team capable of delivering outstanding outcomes for children.
Parent Partnerships
* Build strong and positive relationships with families.
* Promote effective communication between home and nursery.
* Ensure parents feel welcomed, valued, and involved in their child’s learning journey.
* Manage any concerns or complaints professionally and effectively.
Business Development
* Support marketing initiatives and community engagement activities.
* Work closely with the Area Manager to increase occupancy and nursery visibility.
* Build positive relationships within the local community and with local schools and agencies.
* Monitor budgets, resources, and staffing levels effectively.
* Contribute to the nursery’s long-term growth and success.
Essential Requirements
* Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5 or above preferred).
* Previous experience as a Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, or Senior Leader within an early years setting.
* Strong knowledge of the EYFS Framework, Birth to Five Matters, and Ofsted requirements.
* Experience leading, developing, and growing teams.
* Excellent safeguarding knowledge.
* Experience improving quality and standards within a nursery setting.
* Strong communication, organisation, and leadership skills.
* Ability to motivate, inspire, and support others.
* A genuine passion for early years education and child development.
Desirable Requirements
* Experience opening, growing, or transforming a nursery.
* Experience increasing nursery occupancy and building community relationships.
* Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification.
* Paediatric First Aid qualification.
* Experience supporting children with SEND and working with external agencies.
* Experience preparing for and leading Ofsted inspections.
The successful candidate will be:
* A hands-on leader who enjoys spending time with children and supporting practitioners on the floor.
* Passionate about early years education and committed to achieving the best outcomes for children.
* Experienced in building and developing teams from the ground up.
* Confident implementing the latest EYFS Framework and curriculum guidance.
* Ambitious, proactive, and solution-focused.
* Able to inspire staff and create a positive nursery culture.
* Committed to delivering exceptional care, education, and safeguarding standards.
* Excited by the opportunity to help grow a relatively new nursery and make a lasting impact.
* Comfortable working collaboratively with the Area Manager and wider leadership team.
Why Join Early Explorers?
At Early Explorers, we are building something special. This is a unique opportunity to join a growing nursery where your ideas, leadership, and passion will genuinely shape the future of the setting. You will work closely alongside the Area Manager and leadership team while having the autonomy to develop and grow the nursery, its team, and its reputation within the local community.
If you are an inspirational leader with a passion for early years, a strong understanding of the EYFS, and a desire to help build an outstanding nursery from the ground up, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £32,500.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Work Location: In person
