Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Nursery Manager to join our team. The manager will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of our early years setting. The role is focused on delivering high-quality childcare and education, maintaining a safe and nurturing environment, leading staff effectively, and ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and safeguarding obligations.
The ideal candidate will have previous mangement experience, working with children and a strong understanding of early childhood education principles. This role involves ensuring a safe, stimulating, and engaging atmosphere for children to learn and grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day running of the nursery and ensure high standards of care, learning, and development for all children.
- Ensure the nursery operates in line with the EYFS framework, safeguarding requirements, health and safety standards, and relevant Ofsted expectations.
- Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, stimulating, and child-centred environment both indoors and outdoors.
- Lead, motivate, and support the nursery team through effective supervision, appraisals, coaching, and continuous professional development.
- Manage staffing levels, rotas, recruitment, induction, absence cover, and deployment to ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times.
- Oversee planning, observation, assessment, and tracking processes to support children’s progress and individual needs, including those with SEND or additional needs.
- Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with parents and carers, ensuring clear communication about children’s development, wellbeing, and nursery life.
- Monitor the quality of practice across the nursery and lead ongoing improvement planning, self-evaluation, and preparation for inspections.
- Manage nursery administration, including enrolment enquiries, attendance records, accident and incident records, policies, and statutory documentation.
- Oversee budgets, resources, purchasing, and basic financial controls in line with organisational procedures.
- Work collaboratively with external professionals and agencies where appropriate to support children and families.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, and model positive behaviour and professional standards at all times.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the level of the post.
Qualifications and Experience
- A relevant early years or childcare qualification at Level 3 or above.
- Substantial experience working in an early years setting, with previous leadership or management responsibility.
- Strong working knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding procedures, and statutory guidance for early years provision.
- Experience of leading teams, improving quality of practice, and supporting staff development.
- Experience of working in partnership with parents, carers, and external professionals.
- Understanding of nursery administration, record keeping, inspection readiness, and operational compliance.
- A current paediatric first aid qualification is desirable, unless required by the employer.
- Enhanced DBS clearance and suitability to work with children are essential.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build trusted relationships with children, families, staff, and external partners.
- Sound organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage priorities, solve problems, and make professional decisions under pressure.
- Good written and verbal English, with the ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
- Commitment to high standards of care, learning, and professional conduct.
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and professional boundaries.
Working Conditions
This is a full-time role based within our small nursery. The post holder may be required to work flexibly to meet operational needs, including attendance at staff meetings, training sessions, parent events, and inspections. The role involves responsibility for children, staff, regulatory compliance, and the overall quality of provision.
Safeguarding
The Nursery Manager has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is expected to comply fully with safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
We welcome applications from individuals who are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of young children while contributing positively to our nursery community.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
- Nursery experience: 1 year (preferred)
- Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
- Management: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
