An exciting opportunity has presented itself for a qualified Nursery Manager in our Cricklewood Branch.
The Little Learners Montessori Cricklewood Nursery
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, 40 hours
Salary: £40,000-£45,000 depending on experience and qualification level
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts (flexible working pattern can be considered)
Annual leave: 28 days (including bank holidays) plus your birthday off
School type: Day nursery
Location: Cricklewood
Why The Little Learners?
First established in 1993, The Little Learners is a family-run group of Montessori nurseries with a dedicated team of highly trained Montessori educators and qualified childcare professionals.
We pride ourselves on creating a nurturing environment not only for children aged 2-5 years old, but also for our team. We invest heavily in leadership development through our sister training company, Montessori Apprentice Academy, offering industry-leading qualifications, CPD and genuine career progression.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an inspirational, ambitious and experienced Nursery Manager to lead our Cricklewood nursery.
This is a leadership role responsible for delivering exceptional standards of care, education, safeguarding and operational excellence. You will lead and develop a passionate team, drive continuous quality improvement and ensure the nursery provides outstanding experiences for children and families.
Working closely with the Directors, Area Manager and wider leadership team, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the nursery, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements whilst creating a positive, supportive culture where both children and staff thrive.
Responsibilities
Leadership and People
- Lead, inspire and motivate the nursery team to deliver exceptional standards of care and education.
- Create a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture where staff feel supported, valued and accountable.
- Provide effective coaching, mentoring and performance management through regular supervisions, appraisals and observations.
- Manage recruitment, induction, probation and retention of staff.
- Lead on attendance, wellbeing, performance and employee relations in partnership with HR.
- Identify training needs and support continuous professional development across the nursery.
- Ensure staffing levels and deployment meet children's needs whilst maintaining required ratios.
Safeguarding and Compliance
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy where appropriate) and promote an outstanding safeguarding culture throughout the nursery.
- Ensure full compliance with the EYFS Statutory Framework, Ofsted requirements and all relevant legislation.
- Maintain robust health and safety procedures and ensure effective risk management throughout the setting.
- Ensure policies and procedures are implemented consistently and reviewed regularly.
- Lead the nursery through inspections, audits and quality assurance visits.
Quality and Education
- Lead the delivery of an ambitious curriculum that reflects both the EYFS and Montessori philosophy.
- Monitor the quality of teaching, learning and interactions throughout the nursery.
- Support room leaders to continually improve practice through coaching and quality assurance.
- Ensure children's learning, assessment and development records remain accurate and meaningful.
- Promote an inclusive environment where every child is supported to reach their full potential.
Parent Partnerships
- Build positive, professional relationships with families.
- Ensure concerns and complaints are managed promptly, professionally and compassionately.
- Promote strong parental engagement through events, workshops and effective communication.
- Support prospective families through nursery tours and the admissions process.
- Ensure parents receive regular, meaningful updates regarding their child's development.
Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring high standards are maintained across all areas.
- Ensure accurate administration of nursery systems, including Famly and occupancy records.
- Work collaboratively with the finance team to maintain accurate registers and funding information.
- Ensure the nursery environment remains safe, welcoming, organised and well-resourced.
- Monitor stock, resources and equipment to ensure they are maintained to a high standard.
Business Performance
- Take ownership of nursery occupancy, retention and overall performance.
- Work towards achieving agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including quality, occupancy and financial targets.
- Analyse nursery performance and implement action plans to support continuous improvement.
- Contribute to marketing initiatives and community engagement to promote the nursery.
- Report regularly to Directors on nursery performance, risks and opportunities.
Professional Responsibilities
- Act as a positive ambassador for The Little Learners at all times.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the nursery.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.
Professional Development Opportunities:
- Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
- Leadership & Management Programme
- Montessori Diploma
- Montessori Apparatus Workshops
- Industry-leading CPD courses
- Regular leadership workshops
- Annual Professional Development Day
Additional Perks:
- Paid Birthday Day Off
- KPI Bonus of up to £900 per year
- Annual salary and performance review
- Clear onboarding programme
- Regular leadership supervision
- Free DBS and uniform
- Company pension
- Team social events throughout the year
- Christmas & Summer celebrations
- Employee mentoring programme
- On-site parking
- Excellent transport links
What we’re looking for:
Essential
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
- Significant experience in an Early Years leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- Experience leading, developing and motivating teams.
- Confidence managing performance and difficult conversations.
- A genuine passion for delivering exceptional outcomes for children.
Desirable
- Montessori qualification (or willingness to complete one).
- Level 5 qualification in Leadership or Early Years.
- Experience leading an Ofsted inspection.
- Experience improving occupancy, quality or operational performance.
Learn more about our Team & Culture on our website: https://thelittlelearners.co.uk/why-choose-us/our-team-culture/
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- On-site parking
- Transport links
Application question(s):
- How do you ensure compliance with the EYFS safeguarding and statutory requirements?
- Why are you leaving your current role?
- Do you hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years?
- Are you able to work full-time and meet the requirements of the role?
- What was the outcome of your most recent Ofsted inspection and what role did you play?
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 5 years (required)
- Management: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
